Staf Nees, born Gustaaf Frans Nees on December 2, 1901, in Mechelen, Belgium, was a distinguished Belgian carillonneur, teacher, and composer. He studied at the Lemmens Institute from 1916 to 1922 under the guidance of Van Nuffel, Mortelmans, and Depuydt, and continued his education at the Carillonneurs' school in Mechelen with Denijn from 1922 to 1924. Nees taught at the Lemmens Institute from 1924 to 1944 and later became the director of the Carillonneurs' school in 1944. He was appointed the town carillonneur of Mechelen in 1932 and was known for his extensive tours across Europe and North America, where he also conducted master classes. In addition to his performances, Nees composed music for the carillon and choral works. He passed away in his hometown of Mechelen on January 2, 1965.