‘Elvis’ film actress, blues singer Dukureh found dead at 44
Blues singer and actress Shonka Dukureh was found dead in her Nashville apartment Thursday, the Metro Nashville Police Department said.
Dukureh, 44, was found in the bedroom of the apartment she shared with her two children, police said. The actress recently starred as Big Mama Thornton in the movie “Elvis.”
One of Dukureh’s children discovered 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.
Police said they do not suspect foul play in her death. The medical examiner is currently working to identify the cause of death, an MNPD spokesperson said.
Dukureh shined in breakout Big Mama Thornton performance
Dukureh — a Charlotte, North Carolina, native and Nashville resident — graduated from Fisk University with a bachelor’s degree in theater. She also held a master’s degree in education from Trevecca
Nazarene University.
The performing artist played her first major film role as Big Mama Thornton, a task she did not take lightly.
“(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,” Dukureh previously said.
“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.”
Originally interested in pursuing education, the teacher turned Hollywood star was set to release her first studio album this summer, according to her website.
“The project is a tribute to the blues music genre in celebration of those fierce unsung pioneering artists and musicians who paved the way for the rock and roll music revolution,” Dukureh previously said.
Nashville leaders, others react to unexpected death
Nashville mayor John
Cooper shared his condolences to Dukureh’s family in a tweet.
“Her powerful voice and artistry will live on through her music, and we honor her memory on this sad day,” Cooper wrote.
Dojacat, who sang “Vegas” on the “Elvis” movie soundtrack, wrote in an Instagram story post Dukureh was an incredible talent.
“Was a true honor getting to know her and I am so grateful to her for lending her incredible vocals to ‘Vegas’,” the post read. “Her amazing performance in Elvis amongst her other artistry will live on.”
Notably, too, Yola — who portrays Sister Rosetta Tharpe in “Elvis” alongside Dukureh’s Big Mama Thornton — added the following via Instagram:
“Today we lost a gentle soul. We in Nashville knew her as a very humble and shy person who would transform before our eyes into a blistering singing and acting talent. We are heartbroken. Rest in power dear Shonka Dukureh, your light went out far too soon. Sending love to her family including her two young kids at this impossibly hard time.”
Reach reporter Molly Davis at mdavis2@gannett.com or on Twitter @mollym_davis.