Veteran actress Idowu Philips, popularly known as Mama Rainbow, has announced plans to celebrate her 83rd birthday and 60 years on stage with a special tour across different countries.
The 82-year-old shared the news on Instagram on Thursday alongside a photo of herself.
“This year, we are celebrating a very special occasion – 60 years on stage and my 83 years of life, filled with good health, love and blessings,” she wrote.
Mama Rainbow added that to honour her remarkable journey, she planned a beautiful trip beginning in Cairo, Egypt, before moving through the United States and ending in Canada.
The actress further described the celebration as more than a birthday, calling it “a tribute to her legacy, her strength and the joy she has shared with many people over the years.”
Born on October 16, 1942, in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, Mama Rainbow worked as a nurse before fully embracing acting following the death of her husband in 1986.
She had earlier performed with her late husband’s theatre group, Osumare, founded under the influence of Hubert Ogunde.
Her stage name “Iya Rainbow” is derived from Osumare, which means rainbow.
Over the years, she has featured in countless Yoruba and Nollywood films including Yemi My Love, Elepo Robi and Sugar Rush.
In 2024, Mama Rainbow received the AMVCA Industry Merit Award, alongside Richard Mofe-Damijo, for her contribution to Nollywood.
At 83, she remains one of the most respected figures in the Nigerian film industry.
