Idowu Philips (born 16 October 1942), popularly known as Iya Rainbow, is a Nigerian veteran actress. She was honoured with the Industry Merit Awards alongside Richard Mofe-Damijo at the 2024 Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA).
Early life and career
Idowu Philips was born on 16 October, 1942 at Ijebu Ode, a city in Ogun State, southwestern Nigeria. She attended African Methodist School and Anglican Modern School for her primary and secondary education. Her stage name "Iya Rainbow" stems from "Osumare" (meaning "rainbow" in British English), the name of the theatre group of Sir Hubert Ogunde, who died in 1990. Idowu Philips worked as a healthcare assistant in general hospitals in Nigeria for several years and occasionally acted in theatre. Idowu ventured into full-time acting after the death of her husband - Augustine Ayanfemi Phillips (who worked closely with the late patriarch of Nigerian Film Industry Sir Herbert Ogunde. She has featured in several Nigerian films, including Apaadi, Eru and Aje ni iya mi among others). Idowu has five children.
Endorsement
Idowu Philips is a brand ambassador for Airtel, a telecommunication company. Idowu Philip is also an ambassador for Yotomi Golden Estate, a low cost housing estate project, initiated by the late movie mogul Alade Aromire.
Filmography
- 1990 - Yemi My Love
- 1994? - Abortion: A Yoruba Story
- 1994? - Binuseri
- 1994? - Ekundayo
- 1994- Esan-nbo
- 1994- Isedale (Tradition)
- 1995- Adegbesan
- 1995? - Agbelebu
- 1995- At Last (Ni Igbeyin)
- 1995- Ayo the Queen
- 1995? - Boseyekori
- 1995- Doctor
- 1995- Dr Brown
- 1995- Eni Bi Okan
- 1995- Eran Iya (Scape Goat)
- 1995? - Ewo-Lewo
- 1995- Gogongo (Wind Pipe)
- 1996- Agbekele
- 1996- Anifowose
- 1996- Binta My Daughter
- 1996- Ofin (Law)
- 1997- Adopted Child (Omo Agbato)
- 1997- Awofele
- 1997- Back to Africa
- 1997- Broken Melody (Ipinya)
- 1997- Double Marriage
- 1997? - Fake Dollars
- 1997- Ha! Obin Rin
- 1998? - Ano (In-Law)
- 1998? - The Blackmarket (Oja Okunrun)
- 1998? - Emi-Kan ₦1000.00
- 1998? - Eree Ife (Wages of Love)
- 1998? - Ikilo
- 1998? - Odidandan (It's Compulsory)
- 1998- Oju Mewa
- 1998? - Temidayo
- 2000- Lagidigba
- 2002- Jesu Mushin
- 2002- Irepodun - as Iya Kike
- 2002- Eyin Ogongo
- 2003- N150 Million
- 2003- Ìfé òtító
- 2003- Fila Daddy
- 2003- Arewa okunrin
- 2003- Omo oku òrun
- 2003- Okun ife
- 2004- Okun ife 2
- 2004- Okan soso
- 2004- Okan soso 2
- 2004- Ògìdán
- 2004- Ògìdán 2
- 2005? - Okinnikange
- 2006- Abeni
- 2006- Odun baku - as Iya Ijo
- 2006- Mewa n sele
- 2006- Èebúdolá tèmi - as Abebi
- 2006- Agbefo - as Mama Kolapo
- 2006- Agbefo 2
- 2007- Orita Ipinya
- 2007- Olugbare
- 2007- Olóri
- 2007- Maku
- 2007- Kootu olohun
- 2007- Kilebi olorun
- 2008- Taiwo Taiwo
- 2008- Taiwo Taiwo 2
- 2008- Itakun ola
- 2008- Ìkúnlè kèsán
- 2008- Ikilo agba
- 2008- Igba ewa
- 2008- Aje metta - as Mama Olakanmi
- 2008- Aje metta 2
- 2009- Ìpèsè
- 2009- Ìdàmu eléwòn
- 2009- Elewon - as Iya Yomi
- 2009- Akoto olokada - as Iya Kunle
- 2009- Akoto olokada 2
- 2010- Edaa - as Mama Bolaji
- 2018- Oga Bolaji - as Mama Bolaji
- 2019- Sugar Rush
- 2021- Becoming Abi
- 2022- Madami - as Tolani's Mother
References
