Hollywood actor Andrew Garfield has revealed that Nigerian Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo Kuti influenced his portrayal of Spider-Man, inspiring both his physical movements in the superhero suit and his approach to the character’s sense of justice.

In a roadside interview clip circulating on social media, Garfield explained that he creates a playlist for every character he plays, a creative habit that helps him connect with their personalities and develop their performances.

The actor said he began listening to Fela Kuti after landing the role of Peter Parker, discovering that the musician’s distinctive rhythms and revolutionary spirit offered a useful creative reference.

“There was something about the sound and the rhythm that was really useful to me for that character,” Garfield said, explaining that the music helped him connect with the character physically while also exploring his commitment to justice.

He revealed that Fela’s influence extended directly to his movements while wearing the Spider-Man suit.

“The way that I moved in that film in the suit has some inspiration from Fela and his music,” he said.

Garfield also drew a connection between Fela’s revolutionary activism and Spider-Man’s determination to stand up against injustice, describing the musician as a revolutionary figure whose energy helped inform his interpretation of the superhero.

The revelation offers an unusual connection between one of Nigeria’s most influential musical figures and a major Hollywood superhero franchise, highlighting how African music can influence creative expression beyond the music industry.

Garfield first portrayed Peter Parker in The Amazing Spider-Man (2012) and returned for The Amazing Spider-Man 2 (2014). He reprised the role in Spider-Man: No Way Home (2021).

Fela Kuti, widely regarded as the pioneer of Afrobeat, was known for combining African musical traditions with jazz and funk while using his music to challenge political corruption, military rule and social injustice in Nigeria.

His influence continues to extend across generations and creative industries, with Garfield’s comments offering a glimpse into how Fela’s sound and political legacy helped shape the physical and emotional dimensions of his Spider-Man performance.