It’s a different singer (ooh, ooh), but a very familiar song. The word is out: Music royalty Brandy will perform the A Different World opening-credits theme for the forthcoming sequel series, set to premiere Sept. 24.
“Singing this iconic theme song for A Different World means everything to me,” Brandy tells 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.” To experience that feeling again — or for the very first time, if you’re an A Different World freshman — press play above for an exclusive look at Brandy laying down the reimagined track.
Felicia Pride and Brandy
Brandy’s take on the classic sitcom opener features the same memorable lyrics — try not to sing along as she belts, “It’s a different world than where you come from” — with a totally fresh sound. While the singer-songwriter insists that the beloved original is “hard to top,” Brandy’s thrilled to follow in the footsteps of Aretha Franklin, who performed the theme for the original series. “It feels amazing to be a part of the legacy,” she explains. “I just hope I can do it as much justice as Ms. Franklin.”
The original A Different World, which premiered in 1987, follows a group of students as they navigate life on their own for the first time at fictional HBCU Hillman College. Original cast member Dawnn Lewis co-wrote the song — and will be returning for the sequel series as a guest star. A Different World made a lasting impact on young viewers, including one Ms. Brandy Norwood.
“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,” she says. “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.” Brandy, who became known for her starring roles in Moesha (1996–2001) and Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (1997) in addition to her singing career, adds: “It also inspired me to want to do more acting. Just seeing people that looked like me on television made me dream bigger.”
The upcoming A Different World reboot will center on Deborah Wayne (Maleah Joi Moon), the free-spirited daughter of OG series alums Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Hardison) and Whitley Gilbert (Jasmine Guy), as she enters her first year at Hillman. Felicia Pride (Grey’s Anatomy, Bel-Air) is the showrunner and executive producer; original series director Debbie Allen returns as an executive producer, and directs the premiere episode. The series will explore the lives of a new generation of students — from academic struggles and achievements to romantic entanglements and dramas. And Brandy’s dulcet tones will introduce all 10 episodes. “To be a part of it by singing the song, it’s just such an honor.”
Meet the next class of A Different World when the comedy debuts this fall — and keep coming back to Tudum for all your Hillman news.
