The R&B Icon Will Put Her Own Spin on the Beloved Theme as Netflix Welcomes a New Generation to Hillman College Sept. 24.
Brandy is helping open the doors to Hillman College once again.
The Grammy-winning singer and actress will perform a new version of the opening theme for Netflix’s upcoming “A Different World” sequel series, which premieres Sept. 24. Netflix confirmed the news Tuesday, giving fans a first listen to Brandy’s take on one of Black television’s most recognizable theme songs.
Brandy’s version keeps the familiar lyrics of the original theme while giving the song what Netflix describes as a fresh sound.
For Brandy, however, recording the theme was about more than revisiting a television classic. She told Netflix’s Tudum that she grew up watching “A Different World” and remembers the impact the series had on her as a young Black girl with dreams of performing.
“A Different World inspired me as a kid,” Brandy said. “It made me feel like I could go out into the world and become my own person.”
The assignment also puts Brandy in some legendary company.
Aretha Franklin performed the theme during much of the original sitcom’s run, and Brandy said she understands the musical history she is stepping into.
“I just hope I can do it as much justice as Ms. Franklin,” Brandy told Tudum.
Original cast member Dawnn Lewis co-wrote the theme song and is also among the familiar faces returning to the franchise.
A New Generation Heads to Hillman
The original “A Different World,” which premiered in 1987, followed students attending the fictional historically Black Hillman College. Over six seasons, the sitcom became a cultural landmark through its depiction of Black college life, friendships, relationships and social issues.
The Observer previously reported that Netflix’s revival will bring a new generation of students to Hillman, while reconnecting viewers with several characters who helped make the original series a classic.
This time, the story centers on Deborah Wayne, played by Maleah Joi Moon, the youngest daughter of Dwayne Wayne and Whitley Gilbert. Kadeem Hardison and Jasmine Guy return as the iconic couple as Deborah begins her freshman year and tries to establish an identity outside her parents’ Hillman legacy.
The 10-episode series will introduce a new group of Hillman students while welcoming back several original cast members. Felicia Pride serves as showrunner and executive producer.
For Brandy, whose own television legacy includes “Moesha” and “Cinderella,” the return to Hillman brings her career full circle. She said seeing people who looked like her on “A Different World” helped convince her that acting could be part of her future.
Nearly four decades after viewers first enrolled at Hillman, a new class is coming — and this time, Brandy will be the voice welcoming them back.
“A Different World” premieres Sept. 24 on Netflix.
