For this week’s Hot Seat, Out N About sat down with Jacob Streefkerk, a musician here in St. Maarten-St. Martin. He tells us all about his career, experiences, philosophies, and what he loves about St. Maarten-St. Martin.
Please introduce yourself. How would you describe your music style?
My name is Jacob Streefkerk, and I was raised on the friendly island of St. Maarten. Growing up, I listened to a lot of reggae from the ’70s, as well as metal and rock from the ’80s and ’90s – those were definitely the styles that initially inspired me as an artiste. I soon realised that to land more song writing gigs, I’d need to become more versatile, so I dove into pop and electronic music.
Were you born here, and what languages do you speak?
I was born in the Netherlands but moved to St. Maarten as an infant, so I do consider it my home. I speak Dutch and English … trying to learn some German.
How did you get started in the music industry?
After going through some educational books and riffing over my favourite records at home, I started playing with local bands while I was in MPC. We usually mixed up styles like pop, reggae, rock, metal, soca, and zouk. Eventually, I ended up at the Rock Academy in Tilburg before signing my first record deal with my crossover rock band, Intwine.
Why did you choose a career in music?
I initially went to the Netherlands to study architecture and marketing, but I got side-tracked, played loads of Mario Kart, and somehow ended up writing more songs than studying. Our home-grown demos started gaining traction online, which seemed more up my alley than any desk job!
What do you love about working in the music and nightlife scene here on the island?
I honestly love the musicians I perform and write with – they’re like family, and it’s always a pleasure to share a stage with them. I currently gig with Fire Coral every other Wednesday at the Kraken in Simpson Bay and every other Sunday at Grumpy’s over in Dock Maarten.
What organisations, groups, and bands do you work with?
Besides Orange Grove and Fire Coral as a creative/live musician, I’ve been working with my music publisher, Strengholt Music Group, since we signed our first record deal. Over the years, I’ve done commercials, movie soundtracks, and (ghost)writing for various artistes, bands, DJs, and labels in Europe, the US, and Asia.
Tell us a bit more about your experience in this creative profession.
The profession has been quite the rollercoaster. Our first single became a huge success and an instant classic, which opened many doors – but also attracted the vultures. I consider myself fortunate to have had this experience and wouldn’t trade it for anything. The good, the bad, and the ugly!
Can you name some of the international artistes you’ve performed alongside?
That’d be quite the list! Off the top of my head: Living Colour, Damian Marley, Steel Pulse, Third World, Wyclef Jean, Akon, SOJA, Slightly Stoopid, Alanis Morissette, Black Eyed Peas, Armin Van Buuren, Beck, De Jeugd Van Tegenwoordig, Sevendust, Skindred, Patrick Grayham, Foo Fighters, R.E.M., The Prodigy, Queens of the Stone Age, Snoop Dogg, Brainpower, The Chemical Brothers, Anouk, Garbage, and The Elovaters.
What are your other interests outside of music?
Since returning to St. Maarten during the pandemic, I got back into beach volleyball. I’ve been assisting the St. Maarten Beach Volleyball Association with their annual tournaments as well as some inter-island tournaments. I’ve also picked up golf, which is surprisingly difficult but loads of fun – I hope to one day look like I know what I’m doing! I also got into boating, acquired some certifications and also do charters on Sail The Phoenix out of Philipsburg.
Can you tell us about the Heineken Regatta?
The Heineken Regatta has got to be my favourite event to perform at with Orange Grove. We haven’t played there for a number of years, which makes us all the more stoked to be part of the line-up again in 2025! The slogan says it all: Serious fun!
Looks like you also take time to work out. What gym do you go to?
When I was living in the Netherlands, I had an amazing community at a CrossFit box (Bink 36). I competed in local and international competitions, which was quite challenging but loads of fun. Right now, I have a little garage gym at home, but my two favourite gyms are Forge Fitness in Cole Bay and Discover Fitness on the French side near Grand Case Airport.
What is your favourite place for a burger in St. Maarten?
I’m actually a huge fan of burgers, and although I dig many of the joints on the island, nothing beats the Japanese Wagyu burgers they sell at the butcher shop in Cole Bay!
What makes St. Maarten magical to you?
St. Maarten has a special energy that comes from its mix of cultures, beautiful landscapes, and friendly people. The island’s green hills and sandy beaches create a peaceful yet lively atmosphere where you can enjoy both adventure and relaxation.
What are your plans for concerts and travel in 2025?
Following the Heineken Regatta in March, we’ll be hopping over to Curaçao, Bonaire, and Aruba for some shows. We’ve got some new songs we’ll be recording, and we hope to make our way back to Japan in September/October. One love!
