THE local entertainment industry will hold its collective breath tonight as the envelopes are opened and the winners of the highly-anticipated Excellence in Music and Entertainment (EME) Awards are announced.

The event, which is set for the East Lawns of Devon House in St Andrew, will see international acts, Eve and Trina as the event’s special guests, and will be hosted by American comedian Raymond ‘Rayzor’ Davis.

Head of the EMEs, broadcaster Richie B says all is set for tonight’s staging, When the Observer caught up with him last night, he disclosed that Eve and Rayzor were already in the island and Trina was expected in late last night.

Deejays Vybz Katel and Mavado lead the pack with a total of six nominations each.

Vybz Kartel is nominated for Deejay of the Year, Song of the Year (dancehall) in which he has two nods for Clarks and Dumper Truck, Album of the Year for Pon di Gaza 2.0, Collaboration of the Year for Clarks, which also features Popcaan and Gaza Slim, and International Artiste of the Year.

Mavado has two nominations for Song of the Year — Stulla and Mad Over, and has also been nominated for Singjay of the Year, Collaboration of the Year for Come into My Room with Stacious and My Heart with Wayne Marshall, and International Artiste of the Year.

Other artistes with multiple nominations include Jah Cure, Lady Saw, I-Octane, Tarrus Riley, Bounty Killer, Etana and Gyptian.

This year sees the introduction of a new category at the EMEs — Artiste of the Decade (2001-2010). Richie B notes that the award will be given to the artiste who had the biggest impact as a hit maker, performer and touring act.