Biography

Fran O’Hanlon acquired the name AJIMAL in the aftermath of being caught up in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake. Whilst working at a field hospital during his medical studies, he found himself in the presence of an infamous former voodoo priest, from whom he would later derive the moniker.

Although originally a classically-trained pianist, O’Hanlon feels much more comfortable writing and exploring music by ear, taking influences from folk and electronica, rather than following the more rigid classical syllabus he grew up with.
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​Hailing from Newcastle, O’Hanlon qualified as a doctor whilst recording his first album, Childhood, and he continues to practise alongside his musical career. He has supported the likes of Kathryn Joseph, Lucy Rose, Loney Dear, James Vincent McMorrow, The 1975 and Nadine Shah, with a live show that encompasses elements of soaring grandeur and pin-drop intimacy. AJIMAL’s second album, As It Grows Dark / Light, is out now.