Generation Z’s favorite gospel singer, Zacardi Cortez, has dropped his third album and he aims for it to touch every generation. “There’s something for everyone,” he says.  Imprint (Live in Memphis) (ZetRoc / Black Smoke Music Worldwide) is the Houston native’s most poignant, personal project yet and the first for his own ZetRoc label.

“This record is all of who I am, in all the different styles and ways I love to worship and sing,” he continues. “It’s 100% my imprint.” The thirteen-track collection features guest performances from some of Cortez’s favorite singers such as Kim Burrell, Tim Rogers, and Lisa Knowles-Smith. All those sonic threads mesh to weave an engaging and riveting string of modern songs that reflect the passion of traditional black church music. Listen link: https://fanlink.to/Imprint

Anyone remotely familiar with black gospel radio over the last decade has heard Cortez’ incomparable voice that combines the grit of classic soul men like Bobby Womack and Eddie Levert with the cathartic power of the pulpit. That fascinating combination has hung over Cortez’s clouds of Billboard No. 1 gospel radio hits such as the retro anthem “Oh How I Love You,” the `80s throwback groove “YDIA, ” and the acoustic calm of “1 on 1,” which reigned at the top of the charts for five weeks in 2014. Deep fans first heard his hair-raising vocals on James Fortune & FIYA’s hits such as “The Blood,” “Let Your Power Fall,” and “I Believe” which spent nineteen weeks at the apex of the  Billboard Gospel Airplay chart in 2011. 

“Zacardi’s voice is his imprint,” says Black Smoke Music Worldwide founder Kerry Douglas who first discovered Cortez when he was just a teenager who loved to sing around H-Town churches. “His voice is leaving a mark on the music industry. When people hear it, they know instantly know who it is because no one sounds exactly like him. His God-given talent has left an undeniable stamp on gospel music.”

“It’s the first time I’ve been able to write or be this involved in a project,” Cortez says enthusiastically.  “I wrote, co-wrote, or arranged everything on here to show that I’ve got something to say.”  Alongside producers Morgan Turner and Marcus Caylen, he is saying a lot and he wanted to say it live. “Honestly, I think I’m much better live,” he laughs. “I like studio and all of that, but I love the live sound and the raw feel of the stage best. That’s where I’m really in my element.” It shows too. The set opens with the joyous up-tempo worship track, “You Deserve It,” which morphs into a rousing quartet stomper. He then shifts into the aggressive backbeat, “The Best,” where he channels the ferociously raspy roar of Otis Redding or James Brown working a chitlin circuit crowd back in the day. 

Next up is, “Testimony,” a funky jam with a `70s  swagger. “My family recorded that back in 2014 but we never put it out,” Cortez says. “That song is my favorite because of my history of doing it with them and just because of the message of it. It just stuck with me.” 

A good many of the songs were born during Cortez’ brief jail stay back in 2018. He and one of his buddies were driving through a rural Native American area of Louisiana. His buddy, who was driving, had had a couple of drinks, and was driving erratically when they were pulled over by the police. “It’s just crazy,” Cortez remembers. “I wasn’t even driving, but I made some bad choices too. I got locked up in St. Tammany Parish and I had to stay there for ten days because it was too far for any of my family to come and bail me out. The second half of this album was done there because I had nothing to do but think, pray, and write songs. That’s when God lets you go idle,  so you can do what you need to do.”

Cortez is doing what he needs to do to please his fan base. He has earned a reputation for his mastery of ballads and Imprint boasts some brilliant examples. On the quiet but intense “I Know He Will” he earnestly sings of God’s faithfulness, to the rhythm of Morgan Turner’s throbbing bass. “Work It Out for Me,” written by ASCAP Award winning tunesmith Travis Malloy, is a piano-centered rumination on God as a problem solver. Legendary vocalist Kim Burrell joins Cortez on “Anyway,” an eight-minute worship declaration that allows them to both showcase their Jazzy vocal gymnastics to the delight of the capacity audience at the historic New Salem Missionary Baptist Church in Memphis. From there, Cortez launches into the handclapper, “Steal My Joy,” a mid-tempo, congregational sing-along that finds keyboardist Sean `Synthsei’ Alexander displaying some of Ike Turner’s early 1970s psychedelic atmospherics.

Anyone who’s heard Cortez’ current Top Five radio single edit, “You’ve Been Good to Me,” are in for a surprise. There’s about five more minutes of it, full of gripping autobiographical testifying about depression and the trials of life, to round out the full length nine-minute album version. “Oh Thank You,” is a quartet vamp that finds Cortez squalling lines with quartet king, Tim Rogers, on a riveting story about Jesus healing the Ten Lepers. “Lord, Do It for Me,” is a bluesy plea for divine intervention that ends with an infectious  praise team call and response. 

The final live track is “You Don’t Know,” a fiery 1960s styled bop, that features powerhouse vocalist, Lisa Knowles Smith. “I always wanted to get Lisa on a track that would really take advantage of her gift and let her just drive the song,” Cortez adds. “I found this one and thought she would be perfect for it.  I love the way it came out. I think we’re like the new Ike & Tina Turner on this one.” They clearly evoke the Turners’ heyday with their ferocious vocal workout. The album is rounded out with bonus studio cuts of Cortez’ two most recent No. 1 hits, “Oh How I Love You” and “You Don’t Know.”

“It was rough, and it was tough, ” Cortez laughs of completing Imprint, “I learned a lot of things,  but I got it done. Also, I’ve got the best team. Kerry Douglas and Black Smoke are on top of everything. Nicole Heyward and the whole Creative Classic team are doing great things. I’ve got so many other people around me who are really helping me and pushing me to the next level.”

As a testament to his next level popularity, Cortez has also been showing up on the recordings of other artists such as John P. Kee, and Kirk Franklin. Grammy® winner PJ Morton pulled him in for “So in Love” from his, Gospel According to PJ, album and for his all-star cypher, “The Better Benediction,” from his current set, Watch the Sun.  “That’s my brother,” Cortez says. “I’ve been knowing PJ since probably 2007. His dad, Bishop Morton booked me and gave me my first real concert check for $1,500, so I’ll never forget that. But PJ has always pushed me, and he always brings out the other side of me vocally. We’ve done some other songs that people don’t know about because they’ve never been released.” In the meantime, the father of two is hard at work on putting his imprint on his own recordings and just living life. “I’m the life of the party,” he jokes. “When I come, you got to wake up because you’re gonna have some fun.”

Imprint (Live in Memphis) – Zacardi Cortez

DOWNLOAD/STREAM ALBUM

Nigerian born singer and songwriter P-HAHN makes debut with “Never Fail”. The new single is off her soon to be released EP ‘Holy’. 

Never Fail captures the true nature of God, whose word is yea and amen. P-hahn reminds us that regardless of the present situation if God has said it, he will do it. All you have to do is believe and have faith. 

P-hahn hails from Delta state and is currently based in Abuja

Listen & Download Below

Canadian-based Ghanaian Gospel singer with an amazing spiritual depth, Jenn Arthur delivers “Turning Things Around” official music video.

See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. (Isaiah 43:19) Call the things that are not as though they are!

Keep speaking the word of God over your life, believing that God is faithful, He will honour his word and fulfill his promise.

Watch “Turning Things Around” Video Below;

Flory Glory is a UK- based singer/songwriter and worship leader. She started out in the 90’s in Nigeria at a Christian group with the Infinity. Thereafter, she relocated to the Uk and joined the Winners Chapel London choir where she’s currently part of the group.

“Brand new day” is a special song to reach the world on how everyone out there can be healed, saved in whatever circumstances they find themselves that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

God brings succor. My weeping felt like a thousand years, but God brought me joy in the end. Like the bible Psalms 30:5 says weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.

Listen & Download “Brand New Day – Flory Glory” Below

Christian band from Detroit, MI, Alive City has released a new single titled “Coming Alive” – Live.

According to the group, “Coming Alive represented a major turning point for us as a band. We were fresh out of high school and had just spent the summer touring. We were young and dumb when we came up with the idea of the song at the end of the tour, but not dumb enough to forget about how badly the last tour had gone.

We got embarrassed off every stage we played all summer, by professional bands from Nashville who only needed to play a single note to remind us that we were boys trying to play in a man’s game. We knew we needed help. A friend (Jared of Local Sound) told us about some producers he knew in Nashville, named Justin Amundrud and Garret Tyler (of For King and Country). We drove from Detroit to Nashville to work with them on the track, and it became a trip that changed our lives forever. What we learned about music, writing, producing, mixing, and arranging songs on that trip, as we worked on “Coming Alive,” shaped how I think about music today.

The song went on to generate almost 1 million streams on Spotify independent of any label support, and we made this live version to celebrate that victory. For the live version, we wanted to emphasize real instruments, and tap into the energy that only happens at a live show.

Following the inspiration of Bruno Mars, Bruce Springsteen, and For King and Country (to name a few) we put together a uniquely live-band pop-rock version of a song that was once very digital-sounding.

This was recorded in one-take in Detroit, and we hope you enjoy listening to it as much as we enjoy playing it!

Watch “Coming Alive – Alive City” Video Below;

American based Nigerian gospel music minister Oluwayemisi Yakubu is out with a new single titled “Bless Me”. The new single features Nigerian singing sensation and vocal powerhouse David Jones.

“Bless Me” is a song of thanksgiving, expressing gratitude to God who is all in all. It came about thinking and thanking God for His saving grace, blessings, help, elevation. Despite the challenges of life, there’s always a reason to give thanks and praise God.

“The gift of life means there is so much more guaranteed to us in Christ. So it doesn’t matter what it looks like today, I acknowledge and thank Him for the deliverance, protection and help. God’s blessings come with no sorrow. Life happens but God’s promises never fail.” – Oluwayemisi Yakubu

American based Nigerian singer-songwriter Oluwayemisi Ajibade Yakubu was born in Nigeria and now calls California home. She works in the health field but is also a part of the worship and praise team at the International Christian Center of Los Angeles.

Herself and her producer Ambassador Wole Oni co-wrote a masterpiece titled “With You”  while juggling the upbringing of her three children and their everyday jobs. Oluwayemisi Yakubu’s latest album, “With You” was also produced by the extraordinary virtuoso. This is just the first of many more songs that she will release. She wants everyone to benefit from her experience and to decide to stay with God despite all the challenges life presents, realizing that it is only with Him that life is worth living.

Download & listen to “Bless Me,” and then tell someone else to do the same. Video directed by Oluyinka Davids for iFocus Pictures

Watch “Bless Me – Oluwayemisi Yakubu Ft. David Jones” Video Below:

Multiple award winning and International music minister; Evangelist Alex Kwentua based in Louisiana, United States of America. He releases a great sound from the throne of Grace titled “God Is So Good”.

The song “God Is So Good” is an expression of God’s divine kindness towards mankind, regardless of individual differences.

Listen & Download Below

Meet Alex Kwentua:

Evangelist Alex Kwentua is described as a dynamic man in many aspects; conference speaker, teacher, preacher and gospel musician . He pastors the church of God called Zion Mission as instructed by God. He was born in Asaba, Delta State Nigeria. He is the last of four children. He had an encounter with Jesus in December 1992 that birthed his ministry. His first exposure was with the choir of Realm of Glory church known as: Zoe Melodic Singers, now called Consecration Choir.

While studying for his bachelor degree he pastored Chapel of His Glory Campus Church and also pioneered a music evangelical movement known as: “Mustard Seed Band” His passion is preaching the message of salvation, healing and deliverance using all available means. Alex started another band in Louisiana known as: African Gospel Band which has mentored and groomed several youths in the community. Evangelist Alex Kwentua places a high priority on praise and worship. He started with a choir and over the years became a worship leader with a unique pattern of worship that brings life. His music doesn’t just have a rhythm but also carries a strong prophetic message, full of courage and joy. To this end he became a songwriter and has released four albums to date with the latest one titled “God is so Good”.

Alex plays the keyboard and drums. The Album “God is so Good” begins with a Praise medley seasoned with African contemporary best, followed by the award winning singles “ Lift my Jesus Higher Higher” featuring “Funmi.” This track is aired in many notable television and radio stations; Furthermore, he is currently on tour in the United States of America . Alex is married to Funmi and is blessed with three children Tobe, Nkechi and Chinedu. The family makes their home in Gonzales, Louisiana and attended Praise Church where Alex & Funmi served as Intercessory Pastors before they started Zion Mission.

Connect With Artists

Facebook || Instagram || Twitter || YouTube

Gifted and multi-award-winning gospel music minister and songwriter, Steve Crown releases another brand new single, accompanied by a captivating video titled “I See The Glory” Minister Steve has blessed us with yet another tune.

God’s glory is ever present in and around us and Minister Steve is here to remind us of this reality. Ever since the creation of man, God has not seized to reveal His Glory to us. “I see the Glory” is a track that has further buttressed the authenticity of God’s Glory. 

Steve Crown has expressed his passion and drive for Christians all around the world with this song. It should be sung in every nation, every tribe, and every tongue.

Watch “I See the Glory – Steve Crown” Video Below;

Samuel Jesse Luka better known as Cee Sharp, is a Nigerian gospel singer, producer and songwriter. His music is a unique blend of gospel afropop and afrobeat. Cee Sharp hails from Taraba State.

Cee Sharp released his first project Jaye back in 2021 which made waves both online and offline and alo got him signed to Bachmozartium records.

Cee Sharp has released several other solid tunes, Deep Deep and Jiration which has shown how much he has grown in his craft.

He has collaborated with the ace producer Cracker Mallo on his new project titled “Koino” which is being released in the coming weeks. His aim is to take over the afrobeat scene with his unique sound and style of music and also to become a household name in just a short period.

Koino – Cee Sharp

DOWNLOAD ALBUM

 GRAMMY-nominated and GMA Dove Award-winning David Leonard – artist, songwriter, storyteller, and producer – releases a reimagined version of his hit single “Good Lord” featuring breakout Centricity Music artist Katy Nichole. You can hear the new rendition below.

“When I look back and see where I came from, God’s hand is so evident. It’s hard NOT to be thankful,” Leonard shares on social media when speaking about his new song. “He’s been with me every step of the way, there in every moment. He was good then, and He is good now. #GoodLord.”

Good Lord – David Leonard Ft. Katy Nichole