What happened to Shonka Dukureh? Elvis star dies at 44
Actress Shonka Dukureh, 44, has passed away. She became known thanks to her role in the recently released musical biographical film Elvis.
Dukureh was found dead in the bedroom of her apartment. One of her children found that she was unresponsive, and her neighbor quickly called 911. Although autopsy results are awaited to determine the precise cause of death, no crime is currently suspected.
Dukureh graduated from Fisk and lived in Nashville for a time, according to Mayor John Cooper. He went on to say that his music would ensure that his expressive voice and art would endure.
Known facts about Shonka Dukureh
Shonka Dukureh reportedly graduated with a bachelor’s degree in theater from Fisk University in Nashville. She later earned a master’s degree in education from Trevecca Nazarene University.
Her only acting job to date is as R&B singer/songwriter Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton. She had the opportunity to work with filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and artists like Olivia DeJonge, Tom Hanks and Austin Butler, which turned out to be a fantastic opportunity for her. Regarding her on-screen character of hers, she said:
in tribute to Shonka Dukureh who sang Hound Dog so perfectly that we will never forget you 🕊🤍 pic.twitter.com/SEkbKWowk8
— cla saw Elvis x9 (@shannarabutler) July 21, 2022
“I was very aware of it and I really wanted to be intentional about making sure that I was respecting, respecting her, respecting her legacy, respecting her spirit, respecting everything that she brought to music and understanding that I am able to do it because she has. and laid the foundations,” he said.
Apparently he had an album in the works and also played gospel music. His involvement with Elvis served as the inspiration for the album, which was called a celebration of the pioneers of the rock ‘n’ roll musical revolution, as well as a tribute to the blues music genre.
Dukureh was the father of two children. Although not much is known about them, he previously posted a video of her and a little boy wearing a mask on Instagram and admitted that one of her children likes music.
At Coachella earlier this year, he shared the stage with Doja Cat. The pair worked together on the Elvis soundtrack song Vegas.
Twitter users pay tribute
Shonka Dukureh only appeared in one movie, but everyone loved her voice and acting skills. People expressed their condolences on Twitter as soon as they learned of his passing:
Shonka Dukureh, who has passed away at the age of 44, was described as a legend by a user.
Another user said that Shonka Dukureh was “found” for her wonderful voice, appeared in a big budget movie, performed at Coachella alongside a world-renowned artist, and collaborated with Doja Cat on one of the biggest singles of the year before. to die within a year. This is terrible.
Shonka Dukureh was “discovered” for her incredible instrument, starred in a blockbuster movie, sang at Coachella with a global superstar, and appeared in one of the biggest hits of 2022 with Doja Cat, then passed away within a year. This is devastating.
— henny👽💖⚠️ check the pronouns please (@hennyondatweet) July 22, 2022
The loss of Shonka Dukureh is extremely tragic, said one user. She had two children and more than just a beautiful voice. Lord please surround her children and her family with your love and healing.
I recently listened to Shonka Dukureh’s interview about appearing in the new Elvis movie, one commenter commented. He can now rest in peace.
My deepest condolences to the family of Shonka Dukureh. Shonka graduated from @Fisk1866 and called Nashville home for many years. His powerful voice and his art will live on through his music, and we honor his memory on this sad day. https://t.co/0rjZ0lLWCg
— Mayor John Cooper (@JohnCooper4Nash) July 21, 2022
His date of birth, occupation, educational background, and personal life remain a mystery.
