Born Luis Pereira in Mozambique, he learned to play percussion, keyboards, the guitar, and sing. He took the name Stewart Sukuma, a name that means "Rise Up" and "Push" in Swahili. After the fall of Apartheid, he moved to South Africa and, after fifteen years as a performer, made his first recording. The release of "Afrikiti" was a matter of celebration in Mozambique. Stewart Sukuma records in seven languages: English, Portuguese, Koti, Chuabo, Swahili, Zulu and Tsonga.
He continues to perform around the world.