photo credit: yaara of tender heart photo

Nsayi Matingou (Founder): Half Sicilian-Italian American and half Congolese (Brazzaville), Nsayi grew up in Portland’s underground music scene performing and touring in bands Kusikia and The Ghost Ease from 2006 - 2016.

Through their experiences in the Portland music scene and touring the country, Nsayi came into increasing awareness of the complexity and nuance of race and identity in America. And so too, they became increasingly hungry for more complex and nuanced representation of identity in media.

Tchiminu Productions was founded in 2023 by Nsayi Matingou. The production company focuses on creating thoughtful media that shares, centers and uplifts the stories of Portland’s BIPOC and Queer/Trans community.

Tchiminu means “Hope” in their native Congolese language.