It turns out rumours of Lou Bega's death have been greatly exaggerated.

New Musical Express reports that the German recording artist, best known for his bouncy 1999 hit Mambo No. 5, has steadily been receiving condolences in recent days from people who have mistaken him for Lou Reed, who passed away last weekend from liver disease.

Bega himself pointed out that he was still among the living in a post on his Facebook page on Monday.

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The post: "R.I.P. Lou Reed the genius who took walks on the wild side. P.S.: I have been receiving tons of condolences because of a journalist confusing our identities. Lou Bega sends his condolences to Mr. Reed's family."

At present, the name of the journalist and media outlet that confused the two artists is not known.

Even though Bega, now 38 and in good health, made the clarification, fans continued to register their dismay on his Facebook page.

One of the more inspired comments said that, "Monica, Erica and Rita [three lusty women referenced in Mambo No. 5] send a little bit of their condolences."

According to several sources, the Bega death rumour was the result of a Twitter hoax that began shortly after Reed's death on Sunday.

Another rumour circulating online suggested that the Internet sensation known as Grumpy Cat had passed away. As with Bega, Grumpy is alive and well at last check.