Aged 44, Shonka Dukureh, the American singer and actress who starred in the recent Baz Luhrmann biopic “Elvis,” has passed away.
She was discovered unresponsive by one of her children at their Nashville apartment on Thursday, July 22, as reported by local law enforcement.
The Metro Nashville Police Department confirmed that there are no indications of foul play, with the cause of death pending the results of an autopsy.
One of her children found her unresponsive and sought help from a neighbor, who promptly called 911 at 9:27 a.m. on Thursday.
Shonka Dukureh’s portrayal of Big Mama Thornton marked her significant debut in film. She also portrayed the character in the music video for Doja Cat’s “Vegas,” featured on the movie’s soundtrack.
Years earlier, Elvis Presley had released a cover version of her Leiber and Stoller’s “Hound Dog” single, which achieved global success.
Reflecting on her role, Dukureh shared with The Tennessean that she resonated with Thornton, who “was really raw with what she did and very honest and truthful and [made] music as she felt it. And I could totally relate to that.”
She further expressed, “I was very aware and wanting to really be intentional about making sure I was paying respect, respecting her, respecting her legacy, respecting her spirit, respecting everything about what she brought to music and understanding that I’m able to do it because she’s done it and laid that foundation.”
Dukureh, who also graced the stage at Coachella this year with Doja Cat, held a theatre degree from Fisk University and an education degree from Trevecca Nazarene, as reported by radio station WPLN-FM.
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