The Elvis Presley movie actress and blues singer Shonka Dukureh found dead in her apartment.
The 44-year-old lived in Tennessee and shared the apartment with two children.
According to the Tennessee paper, one of Dukureh’s children found her unresponsive and went to a neighbor’s apartment for help, according to police. The neighbor called 911 at 9:27 a.m., police said.
So far, officials do not suspect any foul play. The medical examiner is currently working to identify the cause of death, an MNPD spokesperson said.
The Elvis Presley Movie is Shonka Dukureh’s first major role.
In which she plays Big Momma Thornton.
Shonka moved from Charlotte North Carolina to Tennessee to pursue her dreams. She graduated from Fisk University with a bachelor’s degree in theater. She also held a master’s degree in education from Trevecca Nazarene University.
Additionally, she also sang on the Elvis Presley movie soundtrack with Doja Cat.
Doja Cat debuted the first dropped single during her Coachella performances over the past two weekends.
The 26-year-old announced the news on stage.
“I just made a song for the new Elvis movie directed by Baz Luhrmann, it’s called ‘Vegas,’” before the sound of Dukureh’s growly, rough interpolation of “Hound Dog” bubbles up over the song’s trap-like beat.
Dukureh spoke on her role in the Elvis movie. “[Big Mama Thornton] 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,” noted Shonka Dukureh.
She also stated, “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.”
May her legacy live on.
