Shonka Dukureh, actress, died on July 21 at the age of 44. She received recognition for her role in the recently released biographical musical film Elvis. Dukureh was found dead in the bedroom of her apartment. Her mother’s children discovered her unconscious, and the neighbor immediately called 911. For now, there is no doubt that it was foul play, while the results of the autopsy are still awaited to determine the true cause of death. Mayor John Cooper reported that Dukureh attended Fisk University and had lived in Nashville for years. He said her great voice and talent will live on through her songs.
All about Shonka Dukureh
Shonka Dukureh reportedly completed her theater studies at Fisk University in Nashville. She then earned a master’s degree in education from Trevecca Nazarene University. Dukureh’s only acting job to date is with R&B singer-songwriter Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton. It turned out to be a fantastic opportunity for her as she got to work with director Baz Luhrmann and performers such as Austin Butler, Tom Hanks and Olivia DeJonge. She said about her role in the film:
“I was really conscious and wanted to be very purposeful about honoring, honoring her, honoring her legacy, honoring her spirit, honoring everything she gave to music and recognizing that I can do it because she did it and established the foundation.”
She was also a gospel singer who worked on an album. The album was inspired by her performance in Elvis, and was announced as an homage to the blues music genre, as well as a celebration of musicians who contributed to the musical revolution of rock’n’roll. Dukureh was a single mother with two children. Although nothing is known about them, she previously stated on Instagram that one of her boys likes music and posted a video of herself with a masked toddler.
The title is as follows:
“My firstborn loves going to Guitar Center to check out all the new guitars and accessories.” He came across a very nice turntable setup and let me play with it for a minute. “I am grateful to be his mother.”
She shared the stage with Doja Cat earlier this year at Coachella. The pair collaborated on Elvis’ soundtrack song Vegas.
Twitter users pay tribute
Despite the fact that Shonka Dukureh participated in only one film, her voice and acting abilities were praised by everyone. When news of her death spread, Twitter was flooded with tributes:
Shonka Dukureh, who played Big Mama Thornton in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis movie, has died at the age of 44. She last appeared at Coachella this year with Doja Cato, and has also worked with youth in the city through after-school and summer programs and will be missed. pic.twitter.com/usE79MkppM
— Eric Alper 🎧 (@ThatEricAlper) July 21, 2022
My deepest condolences to the Shonke Dukureh family. Sonka graduated @Fisk1866 and called Nashville home for many years. Her powerful voice and artistry will live on through her music, and we honor her on this sad day. https://t.co/0rjZ0lLWCg
— Mayor John Cooper (@JohnCooper4Nash) July 21, 2022
Categories: Entertaintment
Source: HIS Education