TAWANDA CHARI
Leodale returns with Call Home, Some Time, a 9-track offering that dropped on June 20, 2025. It’s an introspective body of work that finds the emcee digging deep into themes of growth, gratitude, legacy, and longing. He continues in the lane of reflective storytelling, carrying the thread from his last project The Simple Complexities Of Leodale.
The album boasts a strong lineup of collaborators, including Jason Gwanzura, Dray Blvck, Mshona, Phoenix Beats, Dynasty, 9xne, Curtis Jack, ZIS, Draco, and MadeinRome.
While a singular overarching theme might not immediately jump out, 'Call Home, Some Time' feels more like an intimate diary entry, a series of snapshots from Leodale's life and reflections.
iNTRO (Ndichange Ndiripo)
The album opens with a standout. iNTRO (Ndichange Ndiripo) sets the tone for what’s to come. Leodale paints vivid pictures of his past, the allure of the streets, and the weight of familial expectations. Lines like "They like call home, come home, some time / Pick your phone, drop the bone, leave the throne some time" hints at the internal conflict between personal aspirations and the tug of home.
His candid reflection on his relationship with his father – "My daddy never reached for ten years since he left us / And now he saying call home, come home sometime" – is particularly striking.
Morning Prayer ft. Jason Gwanzura
It's a humble conversation with a higher power, where Leodale expresses gratitude for blessings, seeks forgiveness for transgressions, and prays for strength to navigate life's challenges. The sentiment of wanting to "live to God's standards more than he says he wants to" reveals a genuine desire for growth and alignment, even if the path isn't always clear. Gwanzura’s vocals give it that gospel weight, elevating the sincerity of the message.
Message In A Bottle ft. Dynasty & Mshona
The introspection deepens as he questions his desires: "Maybe I'm changing maybe I'm fading / l used to think I don't want to be famous, maybe I do, maybe I don't / Maybe deep down I just want to be known / Validation is a drug man eish." It's a relatable struggle in an age driven by external validation, and the penmanship from Mshona and Dynasty on this track is simply exceptional.
The One Critique
While Call Home, Some Time is a compelling listen, there's a minor quibble for the discerning ear: at times, Leodale's delivery can be a little difficult to decipher, requiring a repeated listen to fully grasp every word. This isn't a major detraction, and could even be attributed to a unique cadence, but it's something worth noting.
Album Rating: 6.2/10
Stream the album here: https://open.spotify.com/album/5wXr5jR7i5FzQgKA2iZTH4?si=5A5JUpP3RXuHft2h2MjkjA
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