When the legendary Oscar Brown Jr., passed away in May 2005, the music industry was left with a large hole in its belly. Although Oscar cannot be replaced, we are fortunate to have his children carry on his legacy. Africa Pace Brown is one of Oscar’s daughters and along with her sister, Maggie, the two young women perform as the new generation of Browns. Africa Brown’s mother”former dancer Jean Pace and Jean’s sister, actress Judy Pace”are also known for their contributions to the arts. Judy Pace is the attractive African-American actress who starred in many films during the 1960s and 1970s. Judy broke Hollywood’s color line being the first black villain on TV in her role on Peyton Place in the late ’60s.
Although Africa is a very private person and looks like a young teen herself, she enjoys her family and being mother to her three children.
The Interview
AWN: About what age did you realize your father was someone “special”
Africa: 4 years old
AWN: Did your father spoil you?
Africa: He did spoil me; he gave me anything and never spanked me at all.
AWN: What are the good points of being the daughter of a legend?
Africa: Being exposed to educational, artistic surroundings.
AWN: Are there any disadvantages of being the daughter of a legend (example: people wanting favors, etc.)?
Africa: People think you have money and/or connections in the music industry.
AWN: Did you feel your father was a stern disciplinarian?
Africa: Not at all. To me, if you were around him, you didn’t want to disappoint him, so you met his moral standings at least.
AWN: Has your father been instrumental in promoting your career?
Africa: Being an example of conviction, supreme talent, and versatility.
AWN: How would you describe your father’s legacy?
Africa: Endless and full of richness, and he was just getting started.
AWN: What was the most important thing you learned from your father?
Africa: How to be loved unconditionally, stand strong for your people or whatever you believe in, and the universe holds all the music for us to grab.
AWN: Did your father have a familiar quote that he used on you over the years?
Africa: When I would call him Daddy (like always), just talking or whatever, he would say, “Mr. Daddy to you, kid” and “Eating again?”
AWN: Marital status, children, and future goals?
Africa: I am a single mother of three”my daughter Indika, 13, son Dialo, 11, and Kayla is 7. And I don’t have plans on getting married, but I am seeing someone.
In the future I would like to continue to work with my sister [Maggie], developing the many projects we have in store as well as work on independent things for myself”singing, acting and teaching.
