Pulse and Presence is an emergent Cape Town house music duo and music podcast hosted by Uyanda Mpote and Nick SA, carving their mark through deep, soulful mixes that blend energy and mindfulness.
In conversation with BONA, Pulse and Presence shared the story of how they came together, driven by a shared passion for house music and a natural creative chemistry.
They explained that their unique sound was born out of the energy and connection they felt when playing together, which inspired them to join forces officially and build something intentional.
When asked about their vision for the Cape Town music scene, they said they wanted to bring a “fresh, soulful, and deeply immersive experience” that blended deep house, Afro-influences, and live elements in a way that felt both intimate and powerful.
Regarding their creative process for curating tracks for their podcast, they explained that it started with “mood and intention.” They would ask themselves “what story are we trying to tell?” and design each episode to take the listener on a journey. They would “dig deep for music that resonates emotionally” and build the mix “like a conversation, track by track, feeling by feeling.”
Pulse and Presence shared with us how they balanced their passion for house music with the technical aspects of producing and podcasting. They focused on the music and energy, while a solid team handled the technical side of things, allowing them to “stay true to our artistic vision.”
They also talked about incorporating mindfulness into their creative process, explaining that it was “at the core of everything we do.” They tuned into “energy, emotion, and presence” when creating or playing, which was reflected in their sound. As they put it, “it’s not just a practice, it’s part of our sound.”
When asked about their hopes for their listeners, Pulse and Presence said they wanted people to “feel something real” – whether it was “joy, release, reflection, or connection.” They aimed to create “meaningful experiences, moments of presence in a noisy world.”
Looking to the future, they envisioned building a platform that supported other creatives, hosted events, and brought people together through music with purpose. As they said, “the journey has just started, and we’re excited to grow with our listeners.”
One of their most memorable moments was playing a live set together at Ilinge Inn and Spine Road Lifestyle, where “the energy was undeniable” and “people weren’t just dancing, they were feeling the music.”
Finally, they offered advice to aspiring DJs and producers, emphasizing the importance of “staying true to your own voice and passion.”
They also stressed the need for “patience and persistence” and encouraged newcomers to “enjoy the journey,” “celebrate the small wins,” and “keep your love for the music at the center of everything you do.”
The duo is seen on social media platforms @ Pulse & Presence
