Lou Bega Biography: Nationality, Spouse, Height, Age, Songs & Albums, Net Worth, Children

David Lubega Balemezi, known worldwide as Lou Bega, is a German-born pop singer and entertainer who shot to global fame in 1999 with his infectious hit “Mambo No. 5. Blending Latin rhythms, swing, and catchy pop hooks, Bega became one of the defining faces of the late-90s summer anthem era.

With his sharp suits, fedora, and charismatic energy, he has spent over two decades touring the world, releasing albums, and keeping the mambo spirit alive for new generations.

Profile

• Full Name: David Lubega Balemezi
• Stage Name: Lou Bega
• Born: 13, April 1975
• Age: 50 years old
• Birthplace: Munich, West Germany
• Nationality: German
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter, Entertainer
• Height: 1.80 m
• Parents: Nicolina Lubega and Charles Balemezi
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Jenieva Jane (m. 2014)
• Children:  Jada Love
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $6 million

Early Life and Education

David Lubega Balemezi was born on April 13, 1975, in Munich, West Germany, to Nicolina Lubega, a Sicilian-Italian mother, and Charles Balemezi, a Ugandan father.

His parents met while studying in Germany, but his father left the family when David was six. He then spent part of his childhood in Italy with his mother before eventually returning to Munich.

He completed both his primary and secondary education in Munich and later spent time living in Miami as a teenager, an experience that greatly shaped his appreciation for Latin and Caribbean music.

Information about his higher education has not been made public. Bega is of mixed Italian and Ugandan heritage, and he has not shared details about his religious beliefs.

Career

David Lubega Balemezi began performing under the stage name Lou Bega in the mid-1990s in German clubs, drawing inspiration from the 1940s and 1950s mambo craze of Pérez Prado.

After signing with Lautstark Records, he and producer Goar B released a modernized version of Prado’s 1949 instrumental “Mambo No. 5,” adding playful new lyrics.

Released in March 1999, the single exploded worldwide, topping charts in over 20 countries, reaching No. 3 in the U.S., and selling more than 10 million copies. His debut album A Little Bit of Mambo (1999) went multi-platinum across Europe, Australia, and Canada.

Building on that momentum, Bega released Ladies and Gentlemen in 2001, featuring the hit “Gentleman” and collaborations with artists like Compay Segundo of Buena Vista Social Club fame.

He continued touring extensively and released albums such as Lounge vs. Mambo (2005), Free Again (2010), and A Little Bit of 80s (2013), while experimenting with covers and new material.

In 2010 he represented Germany in the Eurovision pre-selection with “Sweet Like Cola.” Over the years he has performed at major festivals and maintained a strong presence in Europe, Latin America, and Russia.

Lou Bega remains an active live performer, regularly headlining nostalgia and summer festivals around the globe. His signature hit continues to appear in films, commercials, and sports events, ensuring its place in pop-culture history.

In recent years he has released singles like “Scatman & Hatman” (with Scatman John) in 2019 and “Bongo Bong” in 2023, and he celebrated the 25th anniversary of “Mambo No. 5” in 2024 with special re-releases and performances.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @loubegaofficial
• Facebook Handle: Lou Bega
• Twitter Handle: @RealLouBega

Personal Life

David Lubega Balemezi married American model Jenieva Jane in Las Vegas in 2014 after several years together.

The couple welcomed their daughter, Jada Love, in 2009. Bega keeps his family life private but has described fatherhood as a grounding force. He splits time between homes in Germany and the United States, enjoys soccer, and is known for his laid-back personality off stage.

Discography

• A Little Bit of Mambo (1999)
•   Ladies and Gentlemen (2001)
•   LounGE vs. Mambo (2005)
•   Free Again (2010)
•   A Little Bit of 80s (2013)
•   90s Cruiser (2021)

Net Worth

Lou Bega has an estimated net worth of $6 million as of 2025. The majority of his wealth stems from royalties and ongoing licensing of “Mambo No. 5,” which remains one of the best-selling singles of all time, combined with decades of international touring, album sales, television appearances, and brand partnerships.