Zacardi Cortez

One of the most talked-about voices in gospel music today belongs to singer and award-winning songwriter Zacardi Cortez. Born in Houston, Texas, Cortez hails from a singing family of faith. At age 8, gospel legend John P. Kee adopted him as a spiritual son and began mentoring him. Cortez sang with Kee’s V.I.P. Mass Choir and delivered a solo on the 2001 recording “Live at the Fellowship.” In his early career, he also made guest appearances on recordings by Kurt Carr, Bishop Paul S. Morton, and Pastor Gregg Patrick & the Bridge Project.

Cortez’s powerful voice and signature vocal gymnastics helped propel James Fortune & FIYA’s hits “Let Your Power Fall,” “I Believe,” and “The Blood” to gospel audiences nationwide. As a solo artist, he has scored multiple Billboard Gospel Airplay No. 1 singles, including “You Don’t Know,” written with James Fortune, and “God Held Me (Together),” which topped the chart for 12 weeks. Other top 10 solo radio hits include “YDIA,” “1-On-1,” and “One More Time,” featuring Pastor John P. Kee.

Over the years, Cortez has appeared on some of the biggest platforms in gospel and entertainment, including The Stellar Awards, Black Music Honors, P. Diddy’s Bad Boy Reunion Tour, and BET’s “Sunday Best.” His discography includes the albums “The Introduction” (2012), “Reloaded” (2014), and “Imprint (Live in Memphis)” (2022).

In 2025, Cortez continued to solidify his standing as one of gospel’s premier voices with a string of new releases. In April, he debuted the single “Work It Out for Me,” a soulful anthem of trust and surrender that quickly connected with listeners. On May 9, he released the EP “Ibhar: He That Is Chosen (Chapter 1),” a seven-song collection showcasing his artistry, production skills, and collaborations with Jekalyn Carr, Chrystal Rucker, Jason Nelson, and Jonathan Nelson. The project’s title, “Ibhar,” meaning “He That Is Chosen,” reflects Cortez’s deeply personal and spiritual journey.

Cortez also released additional singles in 2025, including “I Can Be Anything” and the “Work It Out for Me (Live Radio Edit).” He supported the “Ibhar” project with a national tour, performing in cities such as Los Angeles, Atlanta, Houston, Baltimore, Phoenix, and Fort Lauderdale. In interviews, Cortez has shared that “Ibhar” is more than music—it is ministry, crafted to uplift, inspire, and remind audiences of the power of faith.

With a career marked by chart-topping hits, powerful live performances, and a message rooted in hope and worship, Zacardi Cortez continues to stand as one of gospel music’s most dynamic and influential voices.