From peppercorn actress to pop star: Nina Chuba sings the new theme song of the ARD cult series – and the modern rap sound immediately inspires fans.
Nina Chuba is making her comeback with the Pfefferkörren. The singer, who celebrated her big musical breakthrough in 2022 with the summer hit “Wildberry Lillet”, was already known before her singing career. From 2008 to 2010, Nina Katrin Kaiser – her real name – played the role of Marie in the ARD children’s crime series “Die Pfefferkörner”.
The series, which takes place in Hamburg, is one of the best-known and longest-running German series for a young audience. It has been produced by NDR since 1999, with changing casts. The plot revolves around a group of children and young people who solve criminal cases – such as theft, sabotage or environmental crimes.
Cult theme song reinterpreted
The catchy theme song is particularly famous:
“Robbers and gangsters, crooks and criminals, we are where no one is looking, we drive the crooks away.”
This is exactly what Nina Chuba was able to sing for the 22nd season of the cult series. As she says herself: “I’m really happy to be featured in the new opening credits – a real full-circle moment for me.”
The young singer’s influences can clearly be heard in the new melody. Chuba admits: “Together with my producer Flo August, we gave the legendary title tune a modern touch without losing its core.” The melody has clearly gained in rap sound.
Fans are excited
The feedback on the new song is also positive. The official Pfefferkörner Instagram account comments: “We are OBSESSED, the intro is playing on a loop here. Thank you.” Many fans are also demanding a longer version: “I love the original intro, but this has such a badass vibe – full version on Spotify please!”
It’s also not the first time the tune has been adapted. The original song – composed by Mario Schneider and lyrics by Valentin Meindörfer – has now received its fifth remake.
Series start and outlook
The 22nd season of the children’s series will be broadcast on Erste from March 21st. The episodes will be available in the media library from March 20th.
Nina Chuba is also a big fan of the show and is looking forward to the new season: “The series takes young characters seriously and tells exciting stories about friendship and courage. I think it’s nice that the peppercorns have a cross-generational effect thanks to their long history.”
If you don’t just want to hear Nina Chuba in the Pfefferkörner intro, you don’t have to worry either. The singer is going on tour again this year: from June she will be on the road and playing in many German and Austrian cities.
