Matovu was born on 19 June 1949 in Kawempe Division, Kampala District to Abdallah Bukenya and Solome Nakitto.When his parents separated, he moved to Mengo, with his mother at the age of five. He spent most of his childhood with his mother. He attended Namirembe Primary School and later Kibuli Secondary School. He also attended Pillai's Secondary School. However, Matovu's education was cut short in 1966 when traditional institutions were abolished. He was on scholarship from Buganda Kingdom. With no opportunity to continue in school, Matovu concentrated on football and also joined the music industry in 1967 as a vocalist with the Thunderbirds Band.