Sean Paul Interview Interrupted by Jamaica Earthquake

Sean Paul dropped a song titled “Earthquake” last year, and it turns out it might have been a bit of foreshadowing. The hit-making Jamaican artist was at home in the Caribbean island nation when a 5.4 magnitude earthquake struck on Oct. 30. 

The “Temperature” singer was doing a live interview on Twitch with artist Tofu Jack and director of Vice Documentaries Dan Zabludovsky when the quake struck. The epicenter was near Hope Bay on the northern coast of the island and was just six miles below the earth’s surface. 

The room Paul was speaking from began to shake and he immediately realized what was happening. “Oh shit, we’re having an earthquake,” he said as he ran off screen. It’s unclear if he lost his internet signal or if producers behind the scenes cut his stream in case viewers were about to be subjected to much more gruesome footage. 

A 5.4 magnitude earthquake hit Jamaica while we were live on Twitch with Sean Paul.

Thankfully @duttypaul was not hurt during the quake and there are no immediate reports of casualties or serious damage. pic.twitter.com/AHtMxZnzzc

— VICE News (@VICENews) October 30, 2023

The earthquake destroyed a cement factory and knocked out power in some areas, according to The Associated Press. Wine bottles and food items fell off shelves in grocery stores and some buildings suffered minor damage, but no serious damage or casualties were reported. 

“Damage has been minor, but nevertheless, we are taking all precautions,” Prime Minister Andrew Holness said online. “I want to say to all Jamaicans, remain calm.” He went on to warn citizens about the danger of aftershocks and implore them follow earthquake protocols. 

(1/2) Jamaica just experienced an earthquake. The preliminary measurement of the earthquake is approximately 5. 6 in magnitude, centred around Buff Bay in Portland.

The damage assessment indicates minor displacement, however, pic.twitter.com/IziQYFnEUv

— Andrew Holness (@AndrewHolnessJM) October 30, 2023

Paul has yet to speak out on the incident captured on camera, but Vice News confirmed the “Get Busy” rapper is fine.