Watch: Kamasi Washington Returns to ‘The Tonight Show’ with “Lesanu”

Photo Credit: Vincent Haycock

On Thursday, Dec. 12, Kamasi Washington took to the stage at The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon for a rapturous performance of “Lesanu” from Fearless Movement, his fifth studio album released via Young in May. As he made his return to the late-night program, the multi-instrumentalist, composer and bandleader embraced collective energy with an accompanying dance performance of traditional Ethiopian movements.

In addition to the dance choreographed by Dereje Bekele and Bethlehem Bekele, the jazz staging also included a number of special guest appearances. The Los Angeles-native’s father, Rickey Washington, joined his son on flute; the younger Washington referred to him as “the master teacher” in a 2024 interview with Relix on his latest album. Though the elder Washington is a member of his son’s touring band, and features on three tricks on Fearless Movement, his contributions to the late-night show set brought the big band sound and sense of community and heritage to new heights.

With Ryan Porter on trombone and Brandon Coleman and Cameron Graves on keys and piano, the energy was infectious for the Rockefeller Center crowd. DJ Battlecat also provided his artistry, joining drummers Tony Austin and Mike Mitchell as well as bassist Miles Mosley. Washington’s longtime collaborator Patrice Quinn provided showstopping vocals. “When Patrice sings a song,” Washington told Relix, “it goes from being just a song to being a reality.”

Watch Washington’s performance on The Tonight Show below. For more information on Fearless Movement and Washington’s upcoming spring 2025 tour, visit kamasiwashington.com.