What Happened to Shonka Dukureh? Elvis star passes away at 44
4 min read
Instagram / iamshonkadurukeh
The 44-year-old actress Shonka Dukureh has passed away. She became well-known thanks to her role in the just-released musical biopic Elvis.
Dukureh was found dead in her apartment’s bedroom. She was discovered unresponsive by one of her kids, and her neighbor quickly dialed 911. Although the findings of the autopsy are expected in order to ascertain the precise cause of death, no foul play is currently suspected.
Dukureh graduated from Fisk and lived in Nashville for a while, according to Mayor John Cooper. He continued by saying that her music would ensure that her expressive voice and artistry would live on.
Known facts about Shonka Dukureh
According to reports, Shonka Dukureh graduated with a degree in theatre from Fisk University in Nashville. She then earned a master’s degree in education from Trevecca Nazarene University.
Her sole acting job to date is that of R&B singer and songwriter Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton. She got the chance to work with filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and performers like Olivia DeJonge, Tom Hanks, and Austin Butler, which turned out to be a fantastic opportunity for her. Regarding her on-screen persona, she said:
in tribute of Shonka Dukureh who sang Hound Dog so perfectly, you’ll never be forgotten🕊🤍 pic.twitter.com/SEkbKWowk8
— cla saw Elvis x9 (@shannarabutler) July 21, 2022
“I was very aware of it and really wanted to be intentional about making sure I was paying respect, respect to her, respect to her legacy, respect to her spirit, respect to 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,” she said.
She apparently had an album in the works and performed gospel music as well. Her involvement in Elvis served as inspiration for the album, which was dubbed a celebration of the pioneers of the rock ‘n’ roll music revolution as well as a tribute to the blues music genre.
Dukureh was a parent of two kids. Although not much is known about them, she previously released a video of herself and a little boy in a mask on Instagram and admitted that one of her boys like music.
At Coachella earlier this year, she shared the stage alongside Doja Cat. The pair worked together on the Elvis soundtrack song Vegas.
Twitter users pay tribute
Shonka Dukureh only featured in one movie, yet everyone loved her voice and acting abilities. People expressed their condolences on Twitter as soon as they learned of her passing:
Shonka Dukureh, who passed away at age 44, was described as a legend by one 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 year’s biggest singles before passing away within a year. This is terrible.
Shonka Dukureh was “discovered” for her incredible instrument, starred in a blockbuster film, sang at Coachella with a global superstar and featured on one of 2022’s biggest hits with Doja Cat, and then passed away within a year. This is devastating.
— henny👽💖⚠️ check pronouns plz (@hennyondatweet) July 22, 2022
Shonka Dukureh’s loss is extremely tragic, a user said. She had two children and more than just a lovely voice. Lord, please surround her children and family with your love and healing.
I recently listened to Shonka Dukureh’s interview about appearing in the new Elvis movie, a commenter remarked. She may now rest in peace.
My deepest condolences to the family of Shonka Dukureh. Shonka graduated from @Fisk1866 and called Nashville home for many years. Her powerful voice and artistry will live on through her music, and we honor her memory on this sad day. https://t.co/0rjZ0lLWCg
— Mayor John Cooper (@JohnCooper4Nash) July 21, 2022
Her birth date, occupation, educational background, and personal life are all still a mystery.
Ankita Khanrah
Ankita Khanrah is a second-year student of the Master of Communication and Journalism (Integrated) programme at the School of Mass Communication, KIIT Deemed University, Bhubaneswar.
