Olana Janfa: From Music to Painting, an Ethiopian Artist in Australia

In an interview with frankie magazine, artist and musician Olana Janfa shares insights into his artistic evolution, which commenced with music in Ethiopia and later transitioned to painting upon relocating to Australia. Growing up in Addis Ababa, Janfa was influenced by traditional Ethiopian music and reggae before moving to Norway as a teenager in the early 2000s, where he discovered hip hop. After moving to Australia, he began self-teaching painting in 2018. His latest single, "Price Of The House," features collaboration with producer Harvey Sutherland, while earlier works included Swick. The song humorously reflects a friend's discussion about Melbourne's housing costs versus African customs. Janfa juggles painting and music intuitively, often working in his garden shed studio. He also teaches art to children and has created large-scale public artworks, including a recent mural in Darwin that deepened his connection to Indigenous culture. He values the supportive and curious nature of Australians, acknowledging that his career wouldn't thrive in Ethiopia. In 2026, he produced 83 original pieces for the new Footscray Hospital and looks forward to traveling and recharging after a hectic year.