Houston Grammy-nominated singer Zacardi Cortez explains how the Acres Homes neighborhood contributed to his success

HOUSTON – The soul and spirit of Houston’s neighborhoods is unlike any other in the WORLD. So you know that pride runs deep!

Some Houstonians boast that their neighborhood in town has the best food, art and culture, or sometimes the best overall scenery.

But when we talk about talent…few places can say they’ve spawned a national Grammy-nominated artist.

For KPRC 2’s Our Town series, digital journalist Moriah Ballard spoke with Houston native singer and songwriter Zacardi Cortez.

Zacardi was born in the community of Acres Homes and says this area made him the artist he is today.

He says he got his start in the Texas gospel music circuit where he began singing with his family, The Cortez Singers, when he was just 5 years old.

As a child, he said his mother kept him and his four other siblings in church where they were instructed from a young age to sing every Sunday.

“We sang in almost every church here in Houston,” Zacardi said. ” Pretty much everywhere. My mother pushed us there. And even today, we all still sing. We always give glory to God.

At the age of 8, artist John P. Kee adopted Zacardi as his spiritual son and began mentoring him.

Zacardi is best known for his chart-topping gospel songs and features, including Let Your Power Fall, I Believe and The Blood.

His song Lord Do It For Me was nominated for Best Gospel Performance/Song at the 2023 Grammy Awards.

When asked what it felt like to come back to 1944 after getting that nomination, he said it was surreal.

“It was incredible. It’s still amazing! My people still talk about it today,” he said. “It was just a great experience to be nominated. I want to go back, so I did some legwork because I want one now.

That same year, Zacardi secured a Stellar Award and paid tribute to his hometown during his acceptance speech.

He says being from Acres Homes means EVERYTHING!

“That says it all!” You know, that means anything is possible,” he said. “If you put God first and maintain a strong foundation of family (and) community. Everything is possible. I’m so grateful to be with Acres Homes and just put this neighborhood and the city on the map.

Most recently, Zacardi’s hit “Lord Do It Again” went viral, surpassing 80 million plays/uses on TikTok.

So what’s next for Zacardi?

He is working on an album and announces that he has just made a song with Bruno Mars. He says he seeks to use his gospel experience as a launching pad to share his gift with other artists of all genres.

“I’m proud to be from here, I’m proud to represent you guys!” he said. “You keep pushing me and praying for your boy. And I’m going to continue to represent Acres Homes, representing Houston to the fullest.

To follow Zacardi and catch one of his shows in Houston, check out his social media.

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