This September, we’re all excited to return to the hallowed halls of Hillman College for Netflix’s A Different World sequel. But, besides the return of some familiar names and faces alongside the brand new cast for the series, many have been wondering who would follow in the footsteps of Phoebe Snow, Aretha Franklin and Boyz II Men by singing the sitcom’s iconic theme song. Well, now we have our answer: Brandy!
The Vocal Bible herself will give life to the song for a new generation, and different it most definitely is. Brandy’s take features cooler, more electronic production that reflects today’s sound. However, she still manages to infuse a warmth into the proceedings as she sings the song’s classic lyrics, which remind us that “it’s a different world from where you come from.”
“When they called me to do the theme song, I was so blown away. First of all, I had to gather myself that the show was actually coming back, because I’m a fan,” Brandy told Netflix's Tudum. “A Different World inspired me as a kid. It made me feel like I could go out into the world and become my own person. With hard work and dedication, I could make my dreams come true.”
The newest iteration of A Different World will follow Deborah (Maleah Joi Moon), the youngest daughter of previous serious mainstays Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Hardison) and Whitley Gilbert-Wayne (Jasmine Guy), as she navigates college life at her parents’ alma mater. Many of the original series’ cast members are set to make appearances alongside a fresh new cast ready to take Hillman head-on.
You can watch Brandy lay down the new theme song as showrunner Felicia Pride looks on in the clip below. The series will premiere on Netflix on Monday, September 24th.
