American actress and singer Shonka Dukureh died Thursday at the age of 44, CNN reported. Nashville police found her at her home, where she lived with her two children. The cause of her disappearance has not been released, but police say “there is no indication of foul play.” Autopsy results are awaited.
His sudden death comes just a month after the release ofElvis, a biopic of Elvis Presley. Shonkah Dukureh plays singer Willie Mae Thornton, known as Big Mama Thornton, a blues star from the 1950s. She is the one who sang Hunting dog the first before becoming a hit for King, played on film by Austin Butler. Baz Luhrman (Red windmill!, Gatsby the magnificent), the director of the feature film, pays tribute to him on Instagram:
“The entire ‘Elvis’ family is heartbroken at the loss of Shonka Dukureh. From the moment he entered our world, Shonka brought joy, spirit and of course his voice and music (…) I truly feel blessed to have been able to spend time with her.
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Elvis it was Shonka Dukureh’s first major film appearance. She also provided her voice on the movie’s soundtrack and on Las Vegas by Doja Cat, another title used for the soundtrack. She also appears in the accompanying clip for the track.
The rapper, who invited her to the Coachella stage this year, pays tribute to her in an Instagram story:
“Rest in peace Shonka, an incredible talent taken from us too soon. What a true honor it was to meet her, and I am so grateful to her for lending her incredible voice to ‘Vegas.’ Her wonderful performance in ‘Elvis, along with the rest of his art, he will live. My deepest condolences to his loved ones.”
According to the guardianShonka Dukureh had a degree in acting and teaching. She has worked as a CE1 teacher as well as in programs for youth from disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Source: BFM TV
