Veteran Actress “Mama Rainbow” Marks 83rd Birthday and 60 Years on Stage
Nigerian screen icon Idowu “Mama Rainbow” Phillips today commemorated her 83rd birthday, coinciding with her six-decade milestone in the entertainment industry.
In an emotional Instagram tribute, the actress thanked God, her family, colleagues, and supporters for their steadfast encouragement over the years. She described her life in theatre and film as a journey of “music, memories, love, and endless gratitude.”
Mama Rainbow, who initially entered show business in the 1960s by joining her late husband’s theatre troupe, acknowledged divine strength as the bedrock of her longevity on stage. She reserved special praise for her son and manager, Femi Phillips, calling him “my pillar and joy” whose efforts have sustained her legacy.
She extended heartfelt appreciation to fans, friends, and her creative team both at home and abroad, noting that their loyalty and prayers have been a foundation through every chapter of her career.
At 83, she said she feels “filled with gratitude, grace and joy,” and affirmed that her performance journey is far from over: “Sixty years on stage and still counting— the show goes on, and the love continues!”
Over the years, Mama Rainbow has become known for her maternal and commanding roles in Yoruba-language cinema. Her filmography includes notable titles such as Yemi My Love, Abeni, Oga Bolaji, Sugar Rush, Becoming Abi, Madami, Mewa N Sele, Taiwo Taiwo, The Narrow Path, Lagidigba, Agbefo, and Okun Ife.