British actor Andrew Garfield has disclosed that the music of late Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti inspired aspects of his portrayal of Spider-Man. Garfield made this revelation in a video posted on YouTube by the Track-star-show, titled "Testing Andrew Garfield's Music Knowledge". The actor explained that he creates playlists for the characters he plays and began listening to Fela's music when he first took on the role of Spider-Man.
According to Garfield, Fela's music helped him connect with the character physically and emotionally. He stated that the musician's sound and rhythm were really useful for the character, adding that he was drawn to the power conveyed through Fela's music and wanted to reflect some of that energy in his portrayal of the superhero. Garfield's comments highlight the significant influence of Fela's music on his performance.
Garfield further explained that Fela's revolutionary background and music helped him explore the character's physicality and commitment to justice. The actor noted that there was something about suddenly being in touch with the body, but also justice-seeking, because Fela was a revolutionary figure. This connection to Fela's music and message clearly impacted Garfield's portrayal of Spider-Man.
The movements Garfield adopted while playing Spider-Man were partly influenced by Fela's music. The actor stated that the way he moved in the film, in the suit, has some inspiration from Fela and his music. This fusion of Fela's music and Garfield's physicality brought a unique dimension to his portrayal of the superhero.
The song played during the segment was Fela's "Water No Get Enemy", a track from his 1975 album "Expensive Shit". This particular song seems to have had a significant impact on Garfield's performance, as he sought to reflect the power and energy of Fela's music in his portrayal of Spider-Man.
Garfield's appreciation for Fela's music is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Nigerian musician. Fela's music continues to inspire artists and fans around the world, and Garfield's comments highlight the significant impact of his music on popular culture. The actor's willingness to cite Fela as an inspiration also underscores the importance of acknowledging the creative influences that shape our work.
In conclusion, Andrew Garfield's revelation that Fela's music inspired his Spider-Man portrayal is a fascinating insight into the creative process of a talented actor. By drawing on Fela's music and message, Garfield was able to bring a unique energy and physicality to his performance, one that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Key points
- Fela's music inspired Andrew Garfield's Spider-Man portrayal, particularly the character's movements and sense of justice.
- Garfield creates playlists for the characters he plays, and Fela's music was a key part of his Spider-Man playlist.
- The song "Water No Get Enemy" from Fela's 1975 album "Expensive Shit" was played during the segment where Garfield discussed Fela's influence on his performance.
