Marlin Award winner Shanique Thurston had one of the most dynamic performances with her rendition of the old hymn "Tis So Sweet", but gospel legend Mother Rachel Mackey stole the evening with her powerhouse performance of a number of traditional songs, that was by far one of the evening's most memorable experiences at the inaugural Bahamas Independence Gospel Celebration.

JoAnn Callender kicked off the evening of gospel music with a rendition of the national anthem, which was followed by a string of back-to-back performances from Shaback, Terrance Forbes, Edison Sumner & Voices of Praise, Tamika Smith, Hubert McIntosh, The Rahming Brothers, Big Bruh, Emily Williams, V-Mac, Monique Terez, Colyn Major, Al Gibson, F.U.E.L Nation and the Singing Bishop and Prophet Lawrence Rolle.

The Bahamas National Children's Choir, under the direction of Patricia Bazard, captured the hearts of patrons with a number of inspiring selections at the concert at the Diplomat Center. The Royal Bahamas Police Force Choir brought the house to its feet with its medley of gospel classics performance.

The Independence Gospel Celebration was developed to create a platform for local churches including the gospel music community to celebrate the country's upcoming 42nd independence.

The night was not just about music as six people were honored posthumously -- the founder of Bahamas Faith Ministries International (BFMI) Dr. Myles Munroe and Pastor Ruth Ann Munroe; BFMI former vice-president, Dr. Richard Pinder; former National Overseer of The Church of God Bahamas, Turks and Caicos Islands the late Bishop John Humes and BFMI youth pastors, Pastor Lavard "Manifest" Parks and Pastor Radel Parks.arks and Pastor Radel Parks.

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