Singer and actor Shonka Dukureh, known for her role in the 2022 biopic Elvis passed away at 44 years of age. Dukureh was found dead in her Nashville home.
According to the Nashville police, Shonka Dukureh was found dead in the bedroom of her apartment where she resided with her two children. The police said in a statement that they did not suspect foul play. The gospel singer and actor is known for her role as Big Mama Thornton in the 2022 film Elvis.
Who Was Shonka Dukureh?
- Shonka Dukureh grew up in Nashville and was a gospel singer. She has a theatre degree from Fisk University and a degree in education from Trevecca Nazarene University.
- Dukureh taught second grade at Beuna Vista Elementary in Metro Schools and was involved in after-school programs and summer programs for children.
- She informed the local news outlet that following her appearance in Elvis her students reached out to her. Dukureh said her students were “blown away”.
- She played the role of Big Mama Thorton, the rhythm and blues singer and songwriter in the biopic Elvis.
- Dukureh’s rendition of the song Hound Dog, originally sung by Thorton was featured in the film and the soundtrack.
- She also appeared on stage with artist Doja Cat at Coachella and made a cameo appearance in the music video for the song Vegas, which was on the soundtrack of the film
- When asked whether she was nervous about being on stage with Doja Cat, she said, “I have come too far now to be nervous because it’s show time! I can’t turn around!”
- Dukureh’s role in the film was supposed to be off-screen and she was initially called in as a gospel singer for backup work. A year later, she was offered the role of Big Mama Thorton, whose song Hound Dog became one of Elvis’ first hits.
- John Cooper, the Mayor of Nashville released a statement and gave his condolences to Dukureh’s family. He said, “Her powerful voice and artistry will live on through her music, and we honour her memory on this sad day”.
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