Benda World joins OWN’s Ready to Love: Chicago ahead of new music release

Grammy-nominated songwriter Marcus “Benda World” Boyd is joining OWN’s Ready to Love: Chicago, which premieres Oct. 2, while he prepares to release the single “I Am.” The move puts his music, media, and relationship life on camera at the same time.

Why it matters: - Marcus “Benda World” Boyd is moving from behind the scenes to a more public role on OWN’s Ready to Love: Chicago. - The appearance arrives as Benda World prepares to release new music, giving him two high-visibility platforms at once. - The TV debut could broaden his audience beyond music, branding, and media circles.

What happened: - Benda World joined the cast of OWN’s Ready to Love: Chicago, which premieres Oct. 2. - The new season moves the dating franchise to Chicago and follows a group of accomplished singles looking for meaningful connection. - Essence gave an early look at the cast, and the trailer and cast reveal circulated across Steve Harvey, Will Packer and OWN’s platforms.

The details: - Benda World is a Grammy-nominated songwriter and longtime music executive with work tied to Kanye West, Twista, Malik Yusef and others. - His career has expanded into media, brand strategy, consulting and creative development for artists and entrepreneurs. - He is a songwriter and featured artist on the upcoming single “I Am” with Really Doe and CyHi. - Benda World’s vocals anchor the song’s hook. - The song has a Chicago connection through Really Doe and CyHi’s recent appearance with Kanye West at Ye Live at Soldier Field. - Benda World earned Grammy recognition for work on Malik Yusef’s Good M.U.S.I.C. Universe Sonic Sinema: Episode 1 – In The Beginning Was The Word, which was nominated for Best Spoken Word Poetry Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. - The release also identifies Benda World as a Chicago-born media executive, brand strategist, producer and entrepreneur with more than two decades of experience. - His work today includes media and brand strategy, artist and talent development, positioning, content, visibility, partnerships and executive strategy. - Benda World’s Instagram and TikTok handle is @Bendaworld, and more information is available at Bendaworld.com.

Between the lines: - The TV appearance is being used as a reveal of personality, not just career credentials. - Benda World says the show has underscored the importance of being seen, heard and understood in relationships. - The timing suggests a coordinated push across television, music and personal branding. - For a strategist whose work focuses on helping other people shape their public identity, the show puts his own identity under the same spotlight.

What's next: - Ready to Love: Chicago premieres Oct. 2 on OWN. - Viewers will see Benda World navigate dating, vulnerability and the uncertainty of looking for a meaningful connection on camera. - The single “I Am” is expected to add another layer to his fall rollout.

The bottom line: - Benda World is turning a busy season into a public reset, using reality TV and new music to expand his profile beyond the studio and strategy room.