He is still as energetic as he was when he broke into the music scene and he brought hits like Margarida and Dombolo. He was one of the most popular artists in South Africa and collaborated with big names such as Oskido, DJ Fresh, Christos, and many others. Choppa Margarita, real name Roberto Maulana tells ZiMoja that although his career in the limelight has not been visible, he is still making music and touring but he's mostly involved in community development projects which have sustained his life and been fulfilling.

GIVING BACK

Choppa has been doing a lot of philanthropic work behind the scenes which has kept him very busy. "I work with children with Down Syndrome and those that are orphaned and need help. I also work with a foundation where we raise funds to help the needy," he says. "I am also working with an organisation to spread cancer awareness. I have been busy and I am very passionate about social development, which keeps me grounded."

THE GOOD OLD DAYS

Reminiscing on the good old days, Choppa says he always counts his blessings and the achievements he made in his glory days. His career highlights include being awarded at the Kora Awards, performing at Sun City and being nominated alongside late pop legend, Brenda Fassie. "I have done it all," he says. "I have been the opening act for Spice Girls and Boys II Men. I have performed for the Saudi Prince. I performed at Trafalgar Square with Yvonne Chaka Chaka and travelled across the world making my music," he adds. "Right now I am making music for passion, but what has kept me grounded and motivated is the charity work I do behind the scenes." He has kept in touch with his friends from the good old days. "I still speak to Ishmael, Junior and Theo from Boom , Oskido and many other people. We go way back... in the days of living in Yeoville and Hilbrow." 

VANISHING FROM THE INDUSTRY

After vanishing from the music scene, in 2014, Choppa tried to bounce back into the mainstream with his single, Chikita. In 2008, he left South Africa to live and made music in Brazil and other countries as he felt the SA music industry had changed. "I did not leave the industry, but I changed labels or rather my contract expired. My first label was with African Cream then became independent and signed with Universal for one album." Right now he is working independently. "I have been doing a lot of international festivals." Choppa is still based in Johannesburg and he recently release an Amapiano song produced by his 19-year-old producer son. "He was trying something new with me. I love exploring and mixing sounds from Brazil, Mozambique, and South Africa," he says. 

INTERNATIONAL

Unlike many artists who struggle when they vanish from the limelight, become poor and in some instances die paupers, Choppa says he has had it good. "I am always positive. Promoters make promises, labels lie and managers steal. The industry is tough, but I never saw the challenges as obstacles. I continued making music even when the radio stopped playing my songs. I built my name overseas and in other countries like Brazil," he says. He is very active on social media. "I continue to sing and dance on stage. I have been doing this since I was a child in primary school. I've always been a sporty and very active person. I jog a lot, do marathons. That has helped me to stay active."