Is Lou Bega Dead? ‘Mambo No. 5’ Singer Begs Fans To Stop Mistaking Him For Lou Reed

As tributes flooded in for Lou Reed following his death over the weekend, a lesser-known Lou reportedly experienced a sudden upsurge in sympathy on social media.

Lou Bega, the German singer best (or perhaps only) known for his cover of “Mambo No. 5,” which became a pop anthem of the ’90s, claims that his family has received an outpouring of condolences since Reed’s death from people confusing the two musicians.

In a post on his Facebook page on Monday, the 38-year-old singer wrote: “R.I.P. Lou Reed the Genius who took Walks on the Wild side. Ps: I have been receiving Tons of condolences because of a Journalist confusing our Identities. Lou Bega sends his condolences to mr.Reeds Family [sic].”

Despite Bega’s message, fans continued to post heartfelt messages of sympathy on Facebook even a day later. “R.I.P. Lou Bega.--Monica, Erica and Rita send a little bit of their condolences,” wrote one Facebook user. “R.I.P. Lou Bega ~ We hardly knew you” wrote another.

Others also expressed misplaced condolences for Bega on Twitter.

According to Bega’s website, he recently released a new album, “A Little Bit of '80s” and recently appeared as a guest on the German music TV show “Willkomen bei Carmen Nebel.”