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Culture August 11, 2026

Brandy reimagines 'A Different World' theme song for new sequel series

WATCH: We played a holiday AMA with Brandy backstage at ‘GMA’

Brandy is lending her voice to the iconic theme song for "A Different World."

The singer and actress has put her own spin on the opening credits theme for the Netflix sequel series, which debuts 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."

The original series premiered in 1987 and followed a group of students navigating life at the fictional HBCU Hillman College.

OG cast member Dawnn Lewis co-wrote the theme, which was originally performed by Aretha Franklin.

"It feels amazing to be a part of the legacy," Brandy says. "I just hope I can do it as much justice as Ms. Franklin."

The sequel series follows a new generation at Hillman. It stars Maleah Joi Moon as Deborah Wayne, the youngest daughter of Dwayne Wayne (Kadeem Hardison) and Whitley Gilbert (Jasmine Guy).

Along the way, she's joined by a new generation of students that reflect the breadth of Black life on campus, according to a synopsis for the new series.

The new cast also includes Alijah Kai Haggins as Rashida Duvall, Cornell Young IV as Shaquille Johnson, Jordan Aaron Hall as Amir Rodale, Kennedi McClure as Hazel Henry, Chibuikem Uche as Kojo Achebe and more.