For many Nigerians, Idowu Phillips, fondly known as Iya Rainbow or mama Rainbow, is more than an actress. She is a living storybook of Nollywood’s beginnings, a bridge between generations, and a reminder that passion never grows old. As she celebrates her 83rd birthday and marks 60 years on stage today, Thursday October 16, her story feels like a gentle reflection of how far the Nigerian film industry has come.
Here are ten things you should know about the woman whose light continues to shine across decades.
1. She was once a nurse before fame found her
Before she became a household name, Idowu Phillips worked as a nurse in Lagos. She served at various hospitals, dedicating several years of her youth to caring for others. Acting was never part of her original plan. But life had a way of finding her true calling through her husband and the late Hubert Ogunde, who was one of Nigeria’s earliest theatre icons.
2. Her stage name came from the stage
Many people know her as Iya Rainbow, but not everyone knows how the name came to be. The name “Rainbow” came from her late husband’s group. It was called Osumare theatre group, meaning Rainbow theatre group. While on a movie set one day, the name was coined. She said in an interview:
“One day, I went to act with some white men and in the course of acting, someone asked for the meaning of Osumare and I replied: rainbow. Then he said I should henceforth be called Iya Rainbow and that was it.”
3. Her husband’s influence shaped her career
Her late husband, Augustine Ayanfemi Phillips, was one of the founding members of the famous Hubert Ogunde Theatre. Watching him perform inspired her deeply. When he passed away in 1984, she took a bold step to continue what he started. What began as a way to keep his memory alive soon became a personal journey that transformed her into one of Nigeria’s most beloved actresses.
4. She joined acting fully after widowhood
After her husband’s death, Iya Rainbow left nursing completely following the advice of the late Hubert Ogunde and threw herself into acting. At 45, in 1986, she retired from the nursing profession. According to her, it was not an easy transition, being a former salary owner. Also, she had five children to raise and limited resources, but she was determined to make something of her life. Acting became both a source of healing and survival. Through hard work, she grew from stage plays to television, quickly becoming one of the most recognizable faces in Yoruba cinema.
5. She has featured in over 500 films
From classic Yoruba movies to modern-day productions, Iya Rainbow’s filmography reads like a map of Nollywood’s growth. She has appeared in films like Aje Ni Iya Mi, Apaadi, Yemi My Lover, Eru, Igbekele, and Oga Bolaji. Her ability to blend comedy, wisdom, and motherly warmth has made her a go-to figure for directors across generations. Whether she is playing a strict matriarch or a mischievous old woman, her performances always carry truth.
Iya Rainbow doubles as a producer. She produced movies like Alamu S’eniyan, Alepo Rebi, Modupe Oluwa and Orisa rebi among others.
6. She is a mother and grandmother of entertainers
Iya Rainbow’s family is filled with creative energy. One of her children, Femi Phillips, followed in her footsteps as an actor and film producer. Despite her demanding career, she raised her children with a strong sense of discipline and faith. She often speaks proudly of how her family remained her anchor through difficult times.
7. She has received multiple awards and recognitions
Over the years, Iya Rainbow has been honored many times for her dedication to the Nigerian entertainment industry. She received the City People Lifetime Achievement Award, a recognition that celebrated her contribution to Yoruba film and stage. She was also awarded by the African Film Awards in the United Kingdom for her outstanding impact in promoting African culture through film.
In 2017, the Actors Guild of Nigeria celebrated her as one of the living legends of Nollywood. The Federal Government of Nigeria has also acknowledged her as one of the pioneers who helped shape the Yoruba movie industry into what it is today.
Beyond plaques and trophies, her real reward is the love she continues to receive from generations of fans who grew up watching her.
8. She almost gave up on acting & tried to remarry
There was a time she thought about quitting acting. After her husband’s death and with five children to raise, the pressure was overwhelming. But encouragement from her peers, particularly her mother and unwavering faith in God helped her hold on. She once said in an interview that prayer and patience were the keys that carried her through every hard season.
On remarriage, Iya Rainbow told Punch:
“I had the intention of remarrying after I lost my husband, there was even a time a man visited me in my house when we were all eating with my children and some other youths that stayed with me. He had to ask me if all the youths in my house were my children, I replied him in the affirmative.
Due to my reply, he asked me a rhetorical question that insinuated he was overwhelmed with the number of children he would have to cater for if he married me. After that time, I never saw him again. After this incident, I never thought of getting married again because I was no longer interested because most of them are liars.”
9. She remains active and vibrant at 83
Even at 83, Iya Rainbow’s energy is contagious. She still appears in movies, attends events, and connects with fans on social media. Her Instagram page is full of gratitude posts, memories from old films, and heartwarming moments that show her love for her fans. She often uses her platform to encourage younger actors to stay humble and consistent.
10. Her legacy is one of faith, resilience, and grace
Iya Rainbow’s life feels like a sermon wrapped in cinema. From her days as a nurse saving lives, to her transformation into a screen icon saving the heart of Yoruba storytelling, she has carried her purpose with quiet strength. Her 60 years on stage are a gift to Nigeria’s creative history.
As she turns 83, the applause is not just for her acting but for her spirit, which is a reminder that true stars never fade. They only shine brighter with time
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