HOUSTON – The soul and spirit of Houston neighborhoods is like none other in the WORLD. So you know the pride runs deep!
Some Houstonians brag that their side of town has the best food, the best art and culture, or sometimes the best overall scenery.
But, when we’re talking talent... not many places can say that they bred a Grammy-nominated, national recording artist.
ACRES HOMES CAN!
For KPRC 2′s Our Town Series, Digital Reporter Moriah Ballard spoke with Houston-native, singer and songwriter, Zacardi Cortez.
Zacardi was born in the Acres Homes community and says that 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 says that his mom kept him and his four other siblings in church where they were tasked at an early age with singing every Sunday.
“We sung at almost every church here in Houston,” Zacardi said. “Just all over. My mom pushed us out there. And still to this day, we all still sing. We all still give God glory.”
At age 8, the artist John P. Kee adopted Zacardi as a spiritual son and began mentoring him.
Zacardi is most famously 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 the Best Gospel Performance/Song at the Grammy Awards in 2023.
When asked how it felt to come back to the ‘44 after getting that nomination, he said it was surreal.
“It felt amazing. Like, it still feels amazing! My people still talk about it to this day,” he said. “It was just a great experience, to be nominated. I want to go back, so I’ve been making some moves because I want one now.”
That same year, Zacardi secured himself a Stellar Award and gave his hometown major props during his acceptance speech.
He says being from Acres Homes means EVERYTHING!
“It means everything! You know, it means anything is possible,” he said. “If you put God first, and keep a strong foundation of family (and) community. Anything is possible. I’m just so grateful to be from Acres Homes, and to just put that neighborhood, and the city on the map.”
Most recently, Zacardi’s hit “Lord Do It Again” went viral, surpassing 80M TikTok plays/uses.
So, what’s next for Zacardi?
He working on an album and announced he just did a song with Bruno Mars. He says he’s looking to use his gospel background as a launching pad to share his gift with other artists across genres.
“I’m proud to be from here, I’m proud to represent you guys!” he said. “Y’all keep pushing me and praying for your boy. And I’m going to keep representing Acres Homes, representing Houston to the fullest.”
To follow Zacardi and catch one of his Houston shows, check out his social media.