Solomon Irama is a 23-year-old Canadian actor born on September 10, 2002, best known as Phil Marksby on Apple TV+'s Swagger — a show inspired by NBA star Kevin Durant's life.
Solomon Irama is one of Canada's most exciting young acting talents. He broke onto the international stage through Apple TV+'s critically praised basketball drama Swagger, where he played the role of Phil Marksby across both seasons.
Born in Vancouver to parents of Ugandan, South African, and Irish heritage, Solomon is a multi-talented performer who combines acting, basketball, music, and martial arts.
As of 2026, he is 23 years old, stands 5 feet 8 inches tall, and carries an estimated net worth of $1.1 million. He is currently single and focused entirely on growing his career.
Who Is Solomon Irama? (Quick Wiki Snapshot)
Solomon Irama was born in Vancouver of Ugandan, South African, and Irish ancestry. That mix of cultures gives him a rich personal story that goes far deeper than a standard actor bio. He is best known internationally for his role as Phil Marksby on the Apple TV+ series Swagger, which was inspired by the life of NBA superstar Kevin Durant.
So what makes Solomon stand out from dozens of other young Canadian actors? Simple. He has been doing this since he was barely one year old.
Solomon Irama Bio: Fast Facts Table (2026)
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Solomon Irama |
| Date of Birth | September 10, 2002 |
| Age (2026) | 23 years old |
| Birthplace | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Ethnicity | Ugandan, South African, Irish |
| Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (172 cm) |
| Hair Colour | Dark Brown |
| Eye Colour | Dark Brown / Black |
| Mother | Marion Landers (actress) |
| Education | Morgan State University |
| Profession | Actor, Basketball Player |
| Known For | Phil Marksby in Swagger (Apple TV+) |
| Net Worth (2026 est.) | ~$1.1 million USD |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| @solomon.irama.official | |
| Instagram Followers | ~29K+ |
Early Life & Childhood: Born Into the Spotlight
Most child actors start at five or six. Solomon started at one year old.
He began his TV career at age one, appearing with his mom Marion Landers in the CBS movie "Witness: Amber Fry." His mother Marion is herself an actress, which means Solomon didn't just stumble into the industry — he grew up inside it.
- He was raised in Vancouver, British Columbia
- His heritage spans three continents: Africa (Uganda, South Africa) and Europe (Ireland)
- He showed interest in basketball, music, and martial arts from a very young age
- He studied piano for 5 years, specialising in Jazz and Blues
- He holds a Blue Youth belt in Hapkido mixed martial arts
- He loves skateboarding, BMX bike riding, and Hip Hop music
If you enjoy reading about young actors who grew up building their craft from nothing, you'll also appreciate bios like Pyper Braun and Brodie Townsend — two other rising stars who started young and earned their spotlight.
Solomon Irama Age & Birthday: How Old Is He in 2026?
Solomon Irama was born on September 10, 2002, making him 23 years old as of 2026. His zodiac sign is Virgo, known for discipline, attention to detail, and a perfectionist streak — traits that show clearly in how seriously he approaches both acting and sport.
Solomon Irama was born in the Zodiac sign Virgo (The Maiden), and 2002 is also the Year of the Horse in the Chinese Zodiac.
How Tall Is Solomon Irama? Height & Physical Stats
Solomon Irama is 5 feet 8 inches tall and has a pair of black eyes with dark brown hair. For a competitive basketball player, his build is lean and athletic, helping him look convincing in court scenes on Swagger.
| Measurement | Value |
| Height | 5'8" / 172 cm |
| Hair | Dark Brown |
| Eyes | Dark Brown / Black |
| Build | Athletic / Lean |
Solomon Irama's Career: From Commercials to Apple TV+
How It All Started
Solomon told Daily Hive: "I have been acting and hooping for almost my entire life. I knew I wanted to be an actor when I did my first acting gig at seven years old. It was a Kellogg's commercial."
That Kellogg's commercial was not a fluke. Solomon also appeared in ads for Mastercard, Nabi headphones, and print campaigns for "Living Green" and "The Compassionate Eye."
Career Timeline
- 2014 — TV debut in The Grim Sleeper, opposite Macy Gray
- 2015 — Theatre debut in Welcome to Thebes at United Players Theatre, Vancouver
- 2018 — Appeared in Good Girls Don't
- 2019 — Guest role in CW's Supergirl, working with actor-director David Harewood
- 2021 — Breakout role as Phil Marksby in Apple TV+'s Swagger (Season 1)
- 2021 — Guest-starred in Canadian Reflections
- 2022 — Featured in Netflix's Cop and a Half: New Recruit (as Bobby C, alongside Lulu Wilson)
- 2022 — Swagger Season 2 airs, cementing his reputation
- 2026 — Continues to build his career portfolio
Swagger: The Role That Changed Everything
Swagger, created by Reggie Rock Bythewood, is inspired by the life of NBA star Kevin Durant, who also served as executive producer on the critically acclaimed series.
Solomon played Phil Marksby, a tough centre with a heart of gold on the youth basketball team.
Vancouver-born Solomon Irama, then 19, got his big break in his first feature series with the Apple TV+ show Swagger, inspired by NBA superstar Kevin Durant's experiences.
What made Phil such a memorable character? He wasn't the star player. He was the heart of the team — dependable, tough, and emotionally grounded. Solomon brought that complexity to life across both seasons. His co-stars included O'Shea Jackson Jr., Quvenzhané Wallis, and Isaiah Hill.
Want more content on rising actors making waves in prestige TV? Check out this profile on Jungwon — another talented young performer climbing fast in 2026.
Solomon Irama & Basketball: A Dual Life
Here's something most bios completely overlook. Solomon isn't just an actor who plays basketball on screen. He is a genuinely competitive player.
- He represented Vancouver Coastal at the 2018 BC Summer Games
- He won a Silver Medal at the provincial competition
- UBC Thunderbirds captain Brian Wallack noted that Solomon "didn't look out of place at all" when he joined their practice, calling his energy "exciting."
That dual identity — real athlete, real actor — is exactly why he was perfect for Swagger. He didn't need to fake the athletic sequences. He lived them.
Solomon Irama Net Worth 2026: How Much Is He Worth?
According to multiple sources, Solomon Irama's net worth is estimated at approximately $1.1 million as of 2024, earned primarily through his acting career.
For a 23-year-old who has been in the industry since infancy, this figure is expected to grow significantly. His income streams include:
- Television acting (Swagger Seasons 1 & 2, Supergirl, Canadian Reflections)
- Film roles (The Grim Sleeper, Cop and a Half: New Recruit)
- Commercial work (Mastercard, Kellogg's, Nabi headphones)
- Theatre (United Players Theatre, Vancouver)
| Year | Estimated Net Worth |
| 2022 | ~$700K |
| 2023 | ~$900K |
| 2024 | ~$1.1M |
| 2026 (est.) | ~$1.2–$1.4M |
As his profile rises with new projects expected in 2026, that estimate is only set to climb. For comparison, other young actors at a similar stage of their careers — like Brodie Townsend — tend to see net worth growth accelerate sharply after a breakout streaming role.
Solomon Irama Relationship Status: Does He Have a Girlfriend?
This is one of the most-searched questions about Solomon — and the answer is clear.
Solomon Irama is currently single and not in a relationship with anyone. He is currently more focused on his career than being in any relationship, and there is no information about any previous relationships.
He keeps his personal life extremely private. You won't find relationship rumours, dating scandals, or public breakup drama attached to his name. For a young actor in the public eye, that level of intentional privacy is both rare and refreshing.
- Current status: Single
- Married? No
- Children? No public record
- Past relationships: None confirmed publicly
Solomon Irama Family Background: Parents & Heritage
Solomon is of Ugandan, South African, and Irish ancestry. He began his TV career at age one, appearing with his mother Marion Landers.
His mother Marion Landers is herself an actress, which explains a lot about how Solomon developed such a natural on-screen presence from such a young age.
- Mother: Marion Landers (actress)
- Father: Not publicly named
- Siblings: Not publicly confirmed
- Heritage: Ugandan + South African + Irish
- Dreams: Solomon has expressed a wish to travel to Uganda and connect with his family there
This multicultural roots story is one of the most underreported aspects of his biography — and it gives real depth to understanding why he's drawn to stories about identity, community, and belonging (themes central to Swagger).
Solomon Irama on Social Media (2026)
| Platform | Handle | Followers |
| @solomon.irama.official | ~29K+ | |
| Not active | — | |
| Twitter/X | Not confirmed active | — |
He joined Instagram in January 2021 and uses it primarily to share acting updates and personal highlights. His engagement rate is strong relative to his follower count, suggesting a loyal and genuine fanbase.
FAQ: Solomon Irama
How old is Solomon Irama in 2026? Solomon Irama is 23 years old in 2026. He was born on September 10, 2002.
What is Solomon Irama's height? He stands at 5 feet 8 inches (172 cm) tall.
What is Solomon Irama known for? He is best known for playing Phil Marksby in Apple TV+'s basketball drama Swagger, inspired by the life of Kevin Durant.
Where is Solomon Irama from? He was born and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
What is Solomon Irama's net worth? His estimated net worth in 2026 is approximately $1.1 million to $1.4 million USD.
Does Solomon Irama have a girlfriend? No. As of 2026, Solomon Irama is single and has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships.
What is Solomon Irama's ethnicity? He is of Ugandan, South African, and Irish heritage.
Who is Solomon Irama's mother? His mother is actress Marion Landers.
Summary: Why Solomon Irama Is One to Watch in 2026
Solomon Irama is not a manufactured celebrity. He is a multi-dimensional talent who has been building his craft since infancy. At 23 years old, with a breakout Apple TV+ role under his belt, real basketball credentials, piano training, martial arts experience, and a grounded private life — he represents a rare package.
The next few years will be defining for him. Whether it's a new streaming lead role, a feature film, or expanding into other creative areas like music, one thing is certain: Solomon Irama has the foundation to go very far indeed.
If you enjoy discovering rising talents before they become household names, explore more profiles on What Abigail Says — including breakdowns of young entertainers like Pyper Braun and Bun B.
References
- Solomon Irama Official Website Solomon Irama – IMDb
- Daily Hive – Vancouver Actor Living Out Screen and Hoop Dreams
- Complex – Solomon Irama Opens Up About Kevin Durant-Inspired Series Swagger
- Swagger Wiki – Solomon Irama
- Apple TV Press – Swagger Cast & Crew
- Married Biography – Solomon Irama
- Fresher Post – Solomon Irama Bio