Martin Paap
Martin Paap | |
|---|---|
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| Born | Martin Paap II 1 November 1959 |
| Occupation | Family leader |
| Years active | 1974–present |
| Era | Vriend Era |
| Known for | Second member of De Vrienden; leader of the Paap family |
| Height | 1.96 m (6 ft 5 in) |
| Children | Martin Paap III, Martha Paap |
| Father | Martin Paap I |
| Family | Paap family |
Martin Paap II (born 1 November 1959), commonly known as Martin Paap, is a Dutch family leader and member of De Vrienden. He is the second member of the group and has been the leader of the Paap family since 2007.
Paap became associated with Angelo Noord in 1974, forming the earliest core of De Vrienden. He later participated in the music group De Lijers and was involved in the conflict connected to Takistan between 2017 and 2019.
Early life
Martin Paap II was born on 1 November 1959 in Rotterdam, Netherlands, as the son of Martin Paap I. He grew up in Rotterdam and became connected to the local social environment that later shaped his role within De Vrienden.
In 1974, Paap became acquainted with Angelo Noord. Their association formed the earliest basis of the group that later became known as De Vrienden.
De Vrienden
In 1974, Paap and Angelo Noord formed the initial core of De Vrienden. In early 1975, Imro van Hetten joined the group. Later that year, Lourens Schroeter became associated with them, and in 1976 Eef Hoos joined.
Within the group order, Paap became recognized as the second member. This position later connected the Paap family with the number two in the numerical structure used by the five principal families.
During the early years of the group, Paap was associated with initiative and direct action. This role formed part of the wider internal structure of De Vrienden, alongside Noord’s emphasis on documentation, Van Hetten’s stabilizing role, Schroeter’s logistical support, and Hoos’s later position within the group.
De Lijers
In 1978, Paap became one of the founding members of De Lijers, a music group formed by the five members of De Vrienden. The group developed from informal musical activity during the late 1970s and became associated with electronic music during the 1980s.
Paap was listed first in the music formation order of De Lijers. This order differed from the numerical order of De Vrienden, where he remained the second member.
The group’s first official release was Het Vriendenliedje in 1987. In 1989, after the imprisonment of Eef Hoos, Paap and the remaining members released Veroordeeld.
Paap family leadership
In 2007, Paap became leader of the Paap family. His father, Martin Paap I, had previously held the position.
Earlier in 2007, Paap was involved in a public street confrontation in Rotterdam in which he faced six Moroccan men during an altercation. The incident became part of later accounts surrounding his selection as family leader.
In November 2007, Paap was formally elected as the new leader of the Paap family. His position within the family, his long association with De Vrienden, and his role in Rotterdam contributed to his selection.
Under his leadership, the Paap family became more formally associated with the number two and with the leadership transition of 2007.
Takistan conflict
Between 2017 and 2019, Paap participated in the conflict connected to Takistan, Rotterdam-Zuid (faction), and Khalid bin Thani. He took part alongside the other members of De Vrienden.
In 2018, Paap sustained a serious gunshot wound during armed confrontations. He was treated by Imro van Hetten and recovered after approximately seven months.
The conflict ended in late 2019 with the signing of a neutrality agreement.
Later life
After the Takistan conflict, Paap continued to serve as leader of the Paap family. His later role has been connected mainly to family leadership, continuity within De Vrienden, and the succession of the Paap family line.
Paap remained identified with Rotterdam and the Netherlands. He is also associated with an interest in tuned vehicles, particularly the Toyota Supra (1998).
Personal life
Paap has one son, Martin Paap III, who is regarded as the designated successor within the Paap family leadership structure, and a daughter Martha Paap.
He is a member of the Vriend Era generation of the Paap family and is listed among documented members of the family on Paap family members.