Who was Shonka Dukureh, Big Mama’s actress in Elvis? She starred in Baz Luhrmann’s biopic, performed with Doja Cat at Coachella and was about to release a blues album – but tragically died aged 44
- Shonka Dukureh told one magazine she was on ‘cloud nine’ after being asked to star in Baz Luhrmann’s new Elvis biopic; she was found dead at her home last week
- Dukureh had praised Doja Cat for being great to work with on the song Vegas from the film, saying the Say So singer had been welcoming despite her being ‘an unknown’
Shock waves continue to be felt in the music and acting world after the news of Shonka Dukureh’s death on Thursday, July 21. Shonka, 44, was found dead at her flat which she shared with her two young children. Nashville police confirmed that one of her children had found her unresponsive and called emergency services.
Here’s what you need to know about the woman whose powerful vocals had just captured the world’s attention when she died.
A musical background
In an interview with Rated R&B, Dukureh said she was told as a baby that she could sing before she could talk. She said she always knew she had a gift and started out by singing at church and then honing her craft.
She went on to graduate from Nashville’s Fisk University where she studied theatre. According to her website, she has also worked as an author and playwright.