By Balogun Kamilu Lekan
Biography
Iya Rainbow, real name – Idowu Phillips, is a veteran Nollywood actress.
She was born on October 16th 1942, at Ijebu Ode to Prophet Jacob Adebanjo Ifemade and Mrs Ifemade.
Iya Rainbow began her acting career in the 1990s and has appeared in hundreds of Nollywood English and Yoruba movies. She is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with in the Yoruba movie industry and Nollywood.
Education
Idowu had her elementary education at African Methodist School before heading to Anglican Modern School for her secondary education.
She then proceeded to be trained as a nurse afterwards.
Career
Idowu Philips worked as a nurse for 20 years after graduating from nursing school. She worked part-time with the group, gaining mastery of the art because her late husband was theatrically inclined and had a theatre group.
Her stage name is derived from the name of the group to which she belongs, “Osumare,” which translates to “Rainbow” in English; she has been known as Iya Rainbow or Mama Rainbow since then. Her stage name became more popular than her real name because most of her fans and Nollywood moviegoers had no idea she was Idowu Philips.
Sir Hubert Ogunde founded the drama group Osumare. The Osumare group was the hottest group in town at the time, specializing in entertaining Nigerians; however, the group’s popularity faded after Hubert Ogunde’s death.
Iya Rainbow has appeared in a number of films, both in English and in Yoruba. She rose to prominence with her role in Asiri Nla and has appeared in over 500 films since then.
The veteran actress has worked with a number of well-known and respected Nollywood actors and actresses, including Adebayo Salami, Ogogo, Odunlade Adekola, Yinka Quadri, Iya Awero, Jide Kosoko, and others.
Marriage
Iya Rainbow was married to Augustine Ayanfemi Phillips before he died. They had 5 children together
Net Worth
Idowu Philips’s current net worth is estimated to be $500,000. However, NewsWireNGR cannot independently verify it
Achievements
Filmography
- Back to Africa
- Lagidigba
- Jesu Mushin
- Irepodun
- Eyin Ogongo
- N150 Million
- Ìfé òtító
- Fila Daddy
- Arewa okunrin
- Omo oku òrun
- Okun ife
- Okan soso
- Ògìdán 2
- Abeni
- Odun baku
- Mewa n sele
- Èebúdolá tèmi
- Agbefo
- Orita Ipinya
- Olugbare
- Olóri
- Maku
- Kootu olohun
- Kilebi olorun
- Taiwo Taiwo
- Itakun ola
- Ìkúnlè kèsán
- Ikilo agba
- Igba ewa
- Aje metta
- Ìpèsè
- Ìdàmu eléwòn
- Elewon
- Akoto olokada
- Oga Bolaji
- Sugar Rush
Controversy
Iya Rainbow was under fire when she pleaded with Princess, the famous comedienne over the alleged rape of her daughter by Baba Ijesha.
According to the veteran actress, she tried everything she could to persuade Princess not to escalate the case, but she refused. This angered Princess and other Nigerians who believed Iya Rainbow was sympathizing with Baba Ijesha.
Disclaimer
The information in this article was curated from online sources. NewsWireNGR or its editorial team cannot independently verify all details.
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