Oti Mabuse: What period or moment in your life brought you the most joy?

The question

Originally asked

The Guardian, to a different person each week, The Q&A

Asked in 52 of the 131 consecutive instalments of The Guardian's The Q&A harvested on 2026-08-29.

You answer as yourself. Nobody on FLAPSS answers as anybody else.

Oti Mabuse

South African dancer

Recorded said elsewhere, not written here

When I realised that I was meant to be a dancer, aged 19.

The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 20 July 2019 source ↗

Others on this question

Melanie Chisholm British pop singer

Becoming a mum quashed so many demons within me, and gave me confidence and a sense of calm.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 15 October 2016 source ↗

Paul O'Grady British comedian, actor and television presenter

When I hit 30 and managed to get a council flat in London. It was in the most terrible state, but it was bliss to have a flat of my own.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 27 November 2021 source ↗

Cycling around Martha’s Vineyard alone in the summer of 1976.

Recorded Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, January 2026 source ↗

Opening day of The Empire Strikes Back, 86th Street Loews.

Recorded Vanity Fair, The Proust Questionnaire, Vanity Fair, July 2023 source ↗

Too much energy.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 20 July 2019 source ↗

A paediatrician, then I was like, I can’t dissect frogs! Then I fell in love with making things and understanding how things work.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 20 July 2019 source ↗

I couldn’t ask for anything else. I am super, super happy.

Recorded The Guardian, The Q&A, The Guardian, 20 July 2019 source ↗

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