Early Life

Idowu Philips, popularly known as Iya Rainbow, was born on 16 October 1942 in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Nigeria, to Prophet Jacob Adebanjo Ifemade and Mrs Ifemade. She attended African Methodist School and Anglican Modern School for her primary and secondary education in Ijebu Ode, before training as a nurse and going on to work as a certified healthcare assistant in general hospitals across Nigeria for more than two decades.

Career

While working as a nurse, Idowu Philips developed a passion for the stage and began performing occasionally in theatre from around 1965, joining the Osumare Theatre Group founded by her husband, Augustine Ayanfemi Philips, known as Baba Osumare, who worked closely with the legendary Sir Hubert Ogunde. Her stage name, Iya Rainbow, comes from “Osumare,” the Yoruba word for rainbow. Following her husband’s death in 1986, she retired from nursing to pursue acting full-time as a member of Ogunde’s theatre group.

Over a career now spanning six decades, Iya Rainbow has appeared in more than 500 movies, including ‘Back to Africa’ (1997) and ‘Lagidigba’ (2000), and has also worked as a producer and director on titles including ‘Ade Ori,’ ‘Agbokolori’ and ‘Ile Aye.’ In 2024, she was honoured with an Industry Merit Award alongside Richard Mofe-Damijo at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards, recognition of her decades-long contribution to Nollywood. In October 2025, she celebrated her 83rd birthday and 60th year on stage, sharing her gratitude with fans on Instagram.

Personal Life

Iya Rainbow is a widow and mother of five children, having raised her family largely through her acting career after her husband’s death. She has spoken about the importance of continuing to work and contribute rather than depending solely on family or government support in old age.

With six decades on stage and more than 500 films to her name, Iya Rainbow remains one of the true pioneers and most beloved veterans of Nollywood.