Hollywood actor, Andrew Garfield has revealed that Nigerian Afrobeat legend, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti helped shape his physical performance as Spider-Man, in a clip that is now circulating widely on social media.

In the roadside interview, shared on Instagram, Garfield said he creates a playlist for every character he plays.

When he landed the role of Peter Parker, he began listening to Fela and found that the sound and rhythm were very useful for the character. He said the way he moved in the suit carries some inspiration from Fela and his music, and that he was trying to capture an element of the musician’s power in his portrayal of the web-slinger.

Garfield also linked the influence to Fela’s spirit beyond the music. He connected the late musician’s revolutionary activism and strong sense of justice to how he approached the character, saying strength and inspiration can come from the most unexpected sources and blend into something entirely unique.

The actor’s Fela connection appears to go back to his preparation for the first Spider-Man films. He has also discussed the influence on a recent episode of the Track Star series, where he spoke about songs that shaped him, including works by Nina Simone and Jeff Buckley alongside Fela’s.

One Fela track that came up in the conversation was “Water No Get Enemy”, from his 1975 album.

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

Fela, the pioneer of Afrobeat, remains one of the most influential figures in African music, known as much for his activism against military rule in Nigeria as for his sound.