Brandy Brings Her Voice to the Next ‘A Different World’

Brandy Is Reimagining the Iconic ‘A Different World’ Theme Song for Netflix’s Sequel Series

It’s a different singer, but that familiar feeling is coming back to Hillman.

Brandy is stepping into some very big shoes for Netflix’s upcoming A Different World sequel series. The Grammy-winning singer and actress will perform a newly reimagined version of the iconic sitcom’s opening theme song when the series premieres September 24 on Netflix.

For Brandy, who grew up watching A Different World, getting the call was more than another music opportunity — it was a full-circle moment.

“Singing this iconic theme song for A Different World means everything to me,” Brandy tells Netflix Tudum. “It was one of those shows that I had to watch every time it came on. I remember the song and how it made me feel.”

Brandy’s version keeps the recognizable lyrics fans know and love while giving the classic theme a fresh sound. The original theme was famously performed by Aretha Franklin, making Brandy’s involvement another major moment in the musical legacy of the beloved HBCU sitcom.

“It feels amazing to be a part of the legacy,” Brandy says. “I just hope I can do it as much justice as Ms. Franklin.”

The singer also credits A Different World with influencing her own dreams as a young Black girl watching television.

“When they called me to do the theme song, I was so blown away,” she says. “First of all, I had to gather myself that the show was actually coming back, because I’m a fan.”

She adds that seeing young Black people navigate college, relationships, identity and adulthood on television inspired her to dream bigger — and even influenced her desire to pursue acting. Brandy would go on to star in the hit sitcom Moesha and the beloved television musical Cinderella.

Now, nearly four decades after A Different World first premiered, Brandy will help introduce a new generation of Hillman students with her voice.

The sequel series centers on Deborah Wayne, the free-spirited and rebellious daughter of original series favorites Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert. Played by Tony Award winner Maleah Joi Moon, Deborah arrives at Hillman College for her freshman year determined to create her own identity while living under the enormous shadow of her famous parents.

As previously reported by Blex Media, the new series brings together a mix of fresh faces and familiar Hillman legends as Deborah and her classmates navigate college life, friendships, romance, family expectations and finding their place in the world.

The new generation includes Alijah Kai Haggins as Rashida, Cornell Young IV as Shaquille, Kennedi Reece as Hazel, Jordan Aaron Hall as Amir, Chibuikem Uche as Kojo, Vincent Jamal Hooper as Ellington, Elijah J. Roberts as Jalen, Renee Harrison as Candace, Famecia Ward as Nellie Gaines, Dasan Frazier as Xavier, Tichina Arnold as Darlene Duvall, Joshua Suiter as Andre and Raven Goodwin as Dr. Brooklyn Boyer. Cliff “Method Man” Smith also joins the cast as Coach Coles, while Norman Nixon Jr. plays Professor Baptiste. 

And the Hillman alumni are coming back, too.

Kadeem Hardison returns as Dwayne Wayne, Jasmine Guy reprises her role as Whitley Gilbert, Darryl M. Bell returns as Ron Johnson, Cree Summer is back as Freddie Brooks, Charnele Brown reprises Dr. Kimberly Reese Boyer, Jenifer Lewis returns as Professor Davenport, Dawnn Lewis returns as Jaleesa Vinson-Taylor and Glynn Turman reprises his role as Colonel Bradford Taylor. Ajai Sanders and Karen Malina White are also returning as Gina Deveaux and Charmaine Brown, respectively. 

The original A Different World ran for six seasons on NBC from 1987 to 1993 and became one of the most influential Black television series of its era. Set at the fictional HBCU Hillman College, the series followed students as they navigated academics, relationships, politics, identity and adulthood while tackling issues ranging from apartheid and HIV/AIDS to domestic violence, consent and police brutality. 

The sequel continues that tradition with Felicia Pride serving as showrunner, writer and executive producer. Original series director Debbie Allen returns as an executive producer and director, including directing the premiere episode. Original writers Reggie Rock Bythewood and Gina Prince-Bythewood are also returning as executive producers alongside Mandy Summers and Tom Werner. 

A Different World’s return is already a major piece of Black television history in the making, and now the opening credits will have a voice with its own place in that history.

Brandy’s rendition of the theme will open all 10 episodes of the first season when A Different World premieres September 24 on Netflix.