Brandy Sings A New ‘A Different World’ Theme

Brandy is heading to Hillman — at least vocally.

The Grammy-winning singer will perform the theme song for Netflix’s upcoming sequel to A Different World, putting her own spin on a tune that has been a defining part of the beloved sitcom since its 1987 debut. Her version will open all 10 episodes when the new series premieres Sept. 24.

For Brandy, the opportunity is more than just another recording gig. She grew up watching the original series during its NBC run and remembers the theme song as part of the show’s magic.

“Singing this iconic theme song for A Different World means everything to me,” Brandy told Deadline. “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 is also joining a pretty impressive list of singers who have put their stamp on the theme. Phoebe Snow performed it during the first season before Aretha Franklin took over for Seasons 2 through 5. Boyz II Men handled the final version during Season 6.

The song was originally written by cast member Dawnn Lewis, along with Stu Gardner and Bill Cosby.

The new series will introduce a fresh crop of students at Hillman College while bringing back several familiar faces. Maleah Joi Moon stars as Deborah Wayne, the daughter of Whitley Gilbert and Dwayne Wayne, played once again by Jasmine Guy and Kadeem Hardison.

Deborah arrives at her parents’ alma mater with the considerable burden of being a Wayne. Her challenge is figuring out who she is when everyone already knows exactly who her parents are.

She’ll be joined by Alijah Kai as criminal justice student Rashida Duvall, Cornell Young IV as star athlete Shaquille Johnson, Jordan Aaron Hall as psychology major Amir Rodale, Kennedi Reece as Hazel Henry and Chibuikem Uche as fashion-minded entrepreneur Kojo Achebe.

The reunion doesn’t stop there. Darryl M. Bell, Cree Summer, Charnele Brown, Jenifer Lewis, Jada Pinkett Smith, Dawnn Lewis, Glynn Turman, Karen Malina White and Ajai Sanders are also returning.

Behind the scenes, the sequel is keeping its connection to the original intact. Felicia Pride serves as showrunner, while Gina Prince-Bythewood and Reggie Rock Bythewood return as executive producers.

And then there’s Debbie Allen, who directed 83 episodes of the original series and helped transform it into the cultural institution it became. She’ll direct the Netflix premiere.

See the reaction to the theme song getting some new energy below.