Not much is normally expected from a rural, ill-resourced studio, but a relatively new production house, ZJM Music Productions and Recording Studios at Shayandima, is making ripples in the music arena and has become the talk of the town. The studio is owned by rhumba megastar Joseph Mbiza, affectionately known as Zozo to his horde of fans. It has been in existence for a short while, but has produced many albums, some of which have made a huge impact in the music arena. Zozo himself has been churning out hit after hit, brewed in the studio, and has won countless awards, as well as a SAMA award he won last year. The stable surprised everyone this year when they received three nominations in the MTN SAMA Awards. Relatively new signee in the stable Mapfotlosela, whose debut album, Mr Hummer, was released late last year, received a nomination for the Best Xitsonga music, and Zozo and Ntshengedzeni Maligana were nominated in the Best Venda music category. The nominations alone are regarded as a milestone and achievement in the music industry and was no mean feat for a rural-based production house. On Friday at Sun City, the stable did exceptionally well and did not come back home empty-handed, but made the people of Limpopo very proud when one of their artists, Ntshengedzeni Maligana, scooped the Best Venda Music Award through his album, Mathada Volume 2. ”I am extremely pleased by this development in my music career. I never thought it would come so early and I thank my fans from the bottom of my heart,” said Maligana. He said it was very difficult to determine how the fans rated one’s music, but the mere fact that they nominated him spoke volume about his music. “This is a sign of maturity in the music industry and the award will inspire me to work even harder, knowing that my music is being appreciated,” he said. He dedicated the award to his producer, Zozo, for encouraging him to take up music as a career and for being there for him throughout the years. “I am indebted to this selfless man who opened his arms and embraced me and geared me to stardom. I would not be where I am today, had it not been for him. I will always cherish his help to me,” said Maligana.