The seventh annual staging of the Excellence in Music and Entertainment (EME) Awards is set to take place onMarch 12.

Founder and chairman Richard ‘Richie B’ Burgess, notes that due to the event’s growth as well as the support it has received from the local music and entertainment industry, it will be moving to the East Lawns of the historical Devon House in Kingston.

Burgess, has declared that he and his team will deliver a “mind blowing experience” this year. Indeed, the EMEs have grown into a big deal, with over 90% of its awardees generally in attendance and a number of top local stars jockeying for performance slots. The red carpet entry is the most spectacular of its kind in the region, adding credence to the fact that the EMEs are often referred to as the ‘Jamaican Grammys.’

Last year, the event rose to new heights with coverage by North America’s BET Networks. Their coverage posted at their website received thousands of hits. Multiple Grammy award-winning artiste India.Arie was in attendance both as a performer and as The International Friend of Reggae Honouree.This year’s staging will be a night filled with glitz and glamour in addition to a lot of international attention.

The 2011 International Friend of Reggae Honouree will be popular American rapper, songwriter, model and businesswoman, Trina. On her latest album, Amazin’, she collaborated with Jamaica’s very own Lady Saw and Trinidadian-American sensation, Nicki Minaj, on a song titled, Dang A Lang.

The Icons Honourees for this year have not yet been named but veterans honoured in this category before include the likes of the late Sonia Pottinger, King Jammys, Freddie McGregor, Toots Hibbert and Denroy Morgan.

Several new categories will be added to the proceedings this year, including Artiste of the Decade (2001 to 2010) for both males and females.

Some local and overseas celebrities will be on duty to present premier awards and many others will be showing their support. The EMEs have previously received endorsements from bigwigs such as Akon, John Legend, Missy Elliot, Jasmin Sullivan and Estelle.