Jaap Reesema was born on 28 October 1984 in Terborg, Gelderland. From an early age, he developed a passion for music. This led him to begin his career as the frontman of the Hermes House Band, where he gained valuable international stage experience.

His major breakthrough came in 2010. He won the third season of X Factor Netherlands, impressing audiences with his performance of “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Following this success, he grew into an established name in Dutch pop music.

Under his own name, Jaap releases Dutch-language songs that combine personal lyrics with accessible melodies. In addition, he uses the stage name Jake Reese for international projects. Through this, he has collaborated with artists such as Hardwell, Armin van Buuren, and David Guetta. In 2015, this resulted in an International Dance Music Award, winning Best Vocal Performance for “Mad World.”

In 2020, he reached a new high point with the release of “Nu Wij Niet Meer Praten,” featuring Pommelien Thijs. The song became a number-one hit in both the Netherlands and Belgium and achieved double platinum status. He later took part in “Liefde voor Muziek,” which led to a hit in Flanders with “Kom Wat Dichterbij.” This song remained at number one for 28 weeks.

Today, Jaap Reesema is a mainstay in Dutch-language pop music. He is widely recognized for his warm voice and strong live performances, making him a popular choice for festivals and concerts.

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