David Lubega Balemezi, known professionally as Lou Bega, was born on April 13, 1975, in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. He is a German singer renowned for his 1999 hit "Mambo No. 5," a remake of Pérez Prado's 1949 instrumental piece. Bega's version, which added lyrics and sampled the original extensively, became a global sensation, reaching number one in many European countries and number three in the United States. The song was nominated for a Grammy Award and is characterized by its blend of 1940s and 1950s musical elements with modern beats.

Bega's multicultural background includes an Italian mother from Sicily and a Ugandan father who moved to Germany in 1972 to study biology. Bega spent his early years in Italy before settling in Munich. As a teenager, he traveled to Miami, where he discovered Latin music, which influenced his signature sound.

Before his breakthrough, Bega started his musical career as a rapper and formed a hip hop group at the age of 13. He later participated in the music project Balibu and released a single in 1997. Upon returning to Munich, he collaborated with music producers to develop "Mambo No. 5," which led to his signing with the label Lautstark.

Bega's debut album, "A Little Bit of Mambo," released in July 1999, achieved significant success, peaking at number three in both Germany and the U.S., and topping charts in several other countries. Beyond "Mambo No. 5," Bega's hits include "I Got a Girl" and "Sweet Like Cola." His music has sold millions of copies worldwide, and he has received numerous awards, including the German ECHO and the World Music Award.

Lou Bega continues to perform globally, celebrating the enduring appeal of "Mambo No. 5" and his contributions to the music world.