Hollywood actor Andrew Garfield has revealed an unexpected Nigerian influence behind his portrayal of Spider-Man. The actor said Fela Kuti’s music helped him understand the superhero’s movement, energy and personality.
Garfield shared the revelation during a 2026 appearance on the Track Star Show, where he discussed his acting process. The actor explained that he creates playlists for the characters he plays.
For Spider-Man, Garfield turned to the music of Nigerian Afrobeat legend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.
“When I first got Spider-Man, I started listening to Fela,” he said.
Garfield explained that the music’s sound and rhythm helped him connect with the character. He said the influence went beyond the physical side of playing Spider-Man. According to the actor, Fela’s strong spirit and focus on justice also helped shape his portrayal.
“Fela was a revolutionary figure,” Garfield said.
The actor also connected Fela’s music with Spider-Man’s desire to stand against injustice. Garfield revealed that the Nigerian musician even influenced how he moved while wearing the Spider-Man suit.
“The way I moved in the suit has some inspiration from Fela and his music,” he said.
The revelation highlights an unusual connection between Nigerian music and one of Hollywood’s best-known superheroes. Fela Kuti used his music to speak about corruption, oppression and political issues in Nigeria.
His Afrobeat sound later gained a global audience and influenced musicians across different generations. Garfield’s comments show how Fela’s music has reached beyond the world of music. Garfield first played Peter Parker in The Amazing Spider-Man in 2012.
He reprised the role in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 before returning in Spider-Man: No Way Home.
The actor’s comments have renewed attention on Fela Kuti’s lasting global influence.
