Brandy Brings Her Voice To ‘A Different World’ Theme Song For Netflix Sequel

Today, Netflix has tapped Brandy Norwood to perform the theme song for its upcoming A Different World sequel series.

The Grammy Award-winning singer will record a new version of the familiar theme from the original sitcom. Dawnn Lewis, who played Jaleesa Vinson on the series, co-wrote the song, which was performed by several singers during the show’s six-season run, including Aretha Franklin. Lewis will also appear as a guest star in the new series. “It feels amazing to be a part of the legacy,” Brandy said in a statement to TUDUM. “I just hope I can do it as much justice as Ms. Franklin.”

“Singing this iconic theme song for A Different World means everything to me,” the singer explained. “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.”

The 10-episode comedy brings viewers back to Hillman College, this time following Deborah Wayne, played by Maleah Joi Moon. Deborah is the youngest daughter of Whitley Gilbert and Dwayne Wayne, the characters made famous by Jasmine Guy and Kadeem Hardison. The story begins as she arrives at the fictional HBCU and starts college alongside a new class of students.

Guy and Hardison are among the original cast members returning for the sequel. Cree Summer will reprise her role as Freddie Brooks, while Darryl M. Bell returns as Ron Johnson. Newcomers Alijah Kai, Cornell Young IV, Jordan Aaron Hall, Kennedi Reece and Chibuikem Uche round out the main cast.

Felicia Pride created the series and serves as showrunner and executive producer. Debbie Allen, who directed several episodes of the original sitcom, returns as an executive producer and directs the premiere. Tom Werner, Reggie Rock Bythewood and Gina Prince-Bythewood are also executive producers.

The original A Different World debuted in 1987 and ran for six seasons, following students as they made their way through life at Hillman. Brandy’s rendition of the theme will introduce a new generation of characters while providing another connection to the series that came before it.

A Different World premieres September 24 on Netflix.