Shonka Dukureh, an actor and singer who performed Giant Mama Thornton in Baz Luhrmann’s “Elvis” biopic, has died on the age of 44.
She was once discovered lifeless in her condo in Nashville on Thursday, the Metro Nashville Police Division tweeted. Certainly one of her two youngsters discovered her unresponsive and went for assist from a neighbor, who referred to as 911. A reason behind demise has no longer but been made up our minds, and police don’t suspect foul play.
“I used to be very mindful and in need of to in point of fact be intentional about ensuring I used to be paying appreciate, respecting her, respecting her legacy, respecting her spirit, respecting the whole lot about what she dropped at tune and working out that I’m ready to do it as a result of she’s completed it and laid that basis,” she stated.
Thornton was once the primary to file “Hound Canine,” and Dukureh’s robust rendition of the music options within the movie.
Dukureh had in the past taught 2d grade, and informed native information station WPLN about her former scholars’ shocked reactions to her Hollywood debut.
“They’re blown away, like, ‘Wow! Leave out Shonka! Truly?’” she stated. “I stated, ‘I’m nonetheless Ms. Shonka, !’”
Nashville Mayor John Cooper launched a remark honoring Dukureh.
“My inner most condolences to the circle of relatives of Shonka Dukureh,” he stated, according to Fox 17. “Shonka graduated from Fisk and referred to as Nashville house for a few years. Her robust voice and artistry will continue to exist thru her tune, and we honor her reminiscence in this unhappy day.”
