By ALBERT COX

A buzz of national pride filtered through Pompey Square on Tuesday night as 41 commemorative portraits of Bahamian cultural icons were unveiled as part of the country's independence celebrations.

Jamaal Rolle aka “The Celebrity Artist” and The Tribune's cartoonist, was commissioned by government to illustrate the contributors to Bahamian development in music, arts and culture. In attendance were the Prime Minister, Perry Christie, members of the government and local and foreign spectators.

Jamaal Rolle said he was "ecstatic" to be chosen to produce the work that featured many Bahamian legends that he had admired throughout the years and who had inspired him to persevere in his career as a artist. "The project took several months to complete," he said.

"That was a dulling task, which I spent continuous days, weeks and months perfecting every piece that I believe represented their legendary distinguish status. Many great Bahamian legends such as Amos Ferguson, Antonius Roberts, Timothy Gibson, Jackson Burnside, Stan Burnside, Percy Vola Francis, Gus Cooper, King Eric Gibson, Ronnie Butler, Shirley Hall Bass, Charles Carter, John Chipman and so many more wonderful Bahamians all make up the collection that make me proud to be a part of this momentous occasion.

“I will always be grateful for the opportunity to be a part of my country's expression of art and culture, I hope that we continue to live by the ideals of our country - Forward, Upward, Onward, Together.”

At the ceremony unveiling the exhibition, featuring 41 portraits of "Cultural Warriors", the Grand Bahama Youth Choir serenaded an emotional Ronnie Butler, the music legend.