Zsudayka Nzinga + James Terrell Paint in the Language of Love

This month, we’re bowing to 11 badass local couples making moves (with righteous intent) and leaving their mark on the District. Among several questions, we ask how they’d remix the concept of power couple. What emerged is a collective belief that the energy you bring, the responsibility you share (to each other and your community), and the joy of the journey all greatly matter. We also learned love and humor coexist well. Thank you for the laughs and inspiration.

Zsudayka Nzinga, Artist, Curator + Art Educator + James Terrell // The Color of Sound, Painter, Singer, Songwriter + Guitarist

Power Couple, Redefined
Experiencing a relationship where both people are able to be powerful and accepting how that might fluctuate from one moment to the next — including times where the woman is successful and that’s not intimidating [to] the man.

Strike A Balance
Our connection to God and spirit is very important in our lives. Making sure we pray consistently and keep focus on our goals is key. [Also] lots of plants.

Couple Mantra
We always say, “The family that paints together, stays together.”

Lessons Learned
Recognizing success looks different for everybody and not to compare, even to each other.  

Conflict Resolution Tips
You have to choose to be married every day. Every day you wake up and say yes and when you encounter rough moments remember, you said yes today. 

Caffeine Dependency
We are caffeine-free but love a good tea and super greens smoothie to start the day.

Daily Hustle
Having support with the family while sometimes working very long hours is important. 

The Meet Cute
James came to one of my (Zsudayka) first art exhibitions and we became good friends and painting buddies who fell in love over a shared love for art, calamari and good bourbon. 

D.C. Date Spot
Filomena’s. No matter where else we have gone, they still have our favorite calamari in the District. 

Celebrity Hall Pass
We asked each other this question and ended up in a laughter-filled rabbit hole that really didn’t end in any good names. We will be discussing [it] further (lol).  

Our Song
I’ve (Zsudayka) definitely forced my husband to see Eric Roberson like five times. I’m sure he’s grown on him now.

Follow Nzinga and Terrell on their personal IGs @zsudayka and @jtcolorofsound. Follow their businesses here: @blackartistsofdc2021 and ourbadc.org.com and @terrellartseducation and terrellartsdc.com, respectively. 

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