In 1996 an unusual and somewhat dramatic incident occurred that would later inspire musician and Margaritaville founder Jimmy Buffett to pen the famous song “Jamaica Mistaica.” The event, which involved a mistaken identity and a misunderstanding, remains one of the more infamous moments in Buffett’s storied career. On January 16, 1996, the popular singer-songwriter was flying over the Caribbean in his seaplane, the Hemisphere Dancer, with Island Records founder Chris Blackwell and none other than U2’s Bono as a passenger. What was intended to be a casual flight over the waters of Jamaica took a sudden turn when the plane was fired upon by Jamaican police.
The Incident
The Hemisphere Dancer, a seaplane that Buffett often used for travel between the islands, was soaring over the Jamaican coastline when local police, acting on a tip-off, mistook the aircraft for a drug-smuggling plane. At the time, Jamaica had a reputation for being a major transshipment point for illicit drugs, and the authorities were particularly vigilant about identifying suspicious aircraft. The police, in a heightened state of alert, opened fire on the plane. Fortunately, the pilot was quick-thinking enough to land the plane safely, and the only damage was to the plane’s fuselage—no one aboard was injured.
Bono, known for his own penchant for high-profile adventures, was with Buffett on the flight. Though neither Buffett nor Bono were harmed, the incident was jarring for both, and it wasn’t long before they were telling the story to the press. They later joked about how, despite the close call, they had survived what could have been a disaster in such a dramatic fashion.
Inspiration for “Jamaica Mistaica”
The event was so surreal that it became the inspiration for Buffett’s 1996 hit “Jamaica Mistaica.” The song humorously recounts the ordeal and the bizarre turn of events that occurred in the skies over Jamaica. While the tone of the song is light-hearted, the reality of the incident was far from amusing at the time. Yet, Buffett’s ability to find humour in the most unexpected situations shines through in the lyrics, turning what could have been a traumatic experience into something that listeners could laugh about.
Buffett’s version of events, as captured in “Jamaica Mistaica,” paints a colourful picture of the scenario, but it also reflects his deep affection for the island and its culture. While the incident may have been a misunderstanding, it certainly didn’t deter him from continuing to enjoy his travels to Jamaica, which had always been one of his favourite destinations.
The Aftermath
After the shooting incident, there was some confusion on the part of the Jamaican authorities, as it turned out to be a case of bad timing and a simple misunderstanding. The situation was quickly resolved without any lasting consequences. Far from damaging Jamaica’s reputation, the incident actually enhanced the island’s mystique. The story became one of the most memorable and quirky tales from Jimmy Buffett’s career and it became a celebrated piece of his music catalogue.
Lyrics from Jamaica Mistaica:
“They shot from the lighthouse
They shot from the highway
They shot from the top of the cliff
They’d all gone haywire
We’re catchin’ fire
And there wasn’t even a spliff.“
A Wild Tale
The story of the Hemisphere Dancer being shot at by Jamaican police is one of those wild tales that could easily have gone from bad to worse, but thanks to quick action and some fortunate circumstances, it turned into an unforgettable moment in rock ‘n’ roll lore. Far from diminishing the island’s reputation, the incident only added to the rich tapestry of stories surrounding both Jimmy Buffett and the Caribbean.
