Actress Shonka Dukureh recently passed away on July 21 at the age of 44. She gained recognition for her performance in the recently released biographical musical film, Elvis.Dukureh was discovered dead in the bedroom of her apartment. One of her children found her unresponsive and her neighbor immediately called 911. For now, no foul play is suspected, although autopsy results are awaited to determine the exact cause of death.SugarHere@SugarBoneHoLegend Shonka Dukureh has passed. Rip soul sista! 🥺3106696Legend Shonka Dukureh has passed. Rip soul sista! 🥺😢 https://t.co/fKIioJcYwocla saw Elvis x9@shannarabutlerin tribute of Shonka Dukureh who sang Hound Dog so perfectly, you’ll never be forgotten🕊🤍20061in tribute of Shonka Dukureh who sang Hound Dog so perfectly, you’ll never be forgotten🕊🤍 https://t.co/SEkbKWowk8Mayor John Cooper stated that Dukureh graduated from Fisk and called Nashville her home for several years. He added that her powerful voice and artistry will continue to live through her music.Everything known about Shonka DukurehShonka Dukureh reportedly finished her graduation in theater from Fisk University in Nashville. She then acquired a master’s degree from Trevecca Nazarene University in education.Shonka Dukureh appeared in only one film, Elvis (Image via iamshonkadukureh/Instagram)Dukureh’s appearance as R&B singer and songwriter Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton is her only acting role to date. It proved to be a golden opportunity for her as she got a chance to work with director Baz Luhrmann alongside actors like Austin Butler, Tom Hanks, and Olivia DeJonge. Speaking about her character in the film, she 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.”She was also a gospel singer and was reportedly working on an album. The album was inspired by her role in Elvis, calling it a tribute to the blues music genre and a celebration of the artists who had contributed to the rock’n roll music revolution. View this post on Instagram Instagram PostDukureh was a mother of two children. Although very little information is available on them, she once revealed on Instagram that one of her sons loves music and also shared a video of herself with a masked young boy. View this post on Instagram Instagram PostThe caption reads:“My first born thoroughly enjoys frequenting guitar center to explore all the happening instruments and gear. He happened upon a very cool turntable set up and let me vibe witem a sec. Grateful to Be His Mom.”She made an appearance with Doja Cat on stage at Coachella earlier this year. The duo collaborated on the song Vegas from the soundtrack of Elvis.Netizens pay tribute on TwitterAlthough Shonka Dukureh appeared in only one film, her voice and acting performance was praised by everyone. Twitter was flooded with tributes when people heard about her demise:💭@austinthinkerShonka Dukureh died at age 44, legend that will never be forgotten 10218Shonka Dukureh died at age 44, legend that will never be forgotten ❤️ https://t.co/gjHHEC4b4iEric Alper 🎧@ThatEricAlperShonka Dukureh, who played Big Mama Thornton in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis film, has died at age 44.She last appeared at Coachella this year with Doja Cat, and also worked with inner city youth through after-school and summer programs, and will be missed.10028Shonka Dukureh, who played Big Mama Thornton in Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis film, has died at age 44.She last appeared at Coachella this year with Doja Cat, and also worked with inner city youth through after-school and summer programs, and will be missed. https://t.co/usE79MkppMhenny👽💖⚠️ check pronouns plz@hennyondatweetShonka 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.306Shonka 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.🍰@layhercakeShonka Dukureh passing away is so heartbreaking. More than just a beautiful voice...she was a mom to 2 babies. Lord, please wrap her babies and loved ones in love and healing.6813Shonka Dukureh passing away is so heartbreaking. More than just a beautiful voice...she was a mom to 2 babies. Lord, please wrap her babies and loved ones in love and healing.MateJustMate@John92318516They're dropping like flies now. Another #diedsuddenly.Shonka Dukureh has died aged 44.She was in the latest Elvis movie. #RIPShonka206They're dropping like flies now. Another #diedsuddenly.Shonka Dukureh has died aged 44.She was in the latest Elvis movie. #RIPShonkaMayor John Cooper@JohnCooper4NashMy 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. twitter.com/tennessean/sta…Tennessean@Tennessean'Elvis' actress and blues singer Shonka Dukureh dead at 44 tennessean.com/story/news/loc…5518'Elvis' actress and blues singer Shonka Dukureh dead at 44 tennessean.com/story/news/loc…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. twitter.com/tennessean/sta…Julia Ritchey@juliaritcheyRest in Power, Shonka Dukureh. This world is hard. twitter.com/juliaritchey/s…Julia Ritchey@juliaritcheyI will admit to absolutely fan-girling out when I got to meet her in studio the other day! Been rocking out to her Hound Dog/Vegas mash-up w/ @DojaCat all week to get the serotonin flowing.131I will admit to absolutely fan-girling out when I got to meet her in studio the other day! Been rocking out to her Hound Dog/Vegas mash-up w/ @DojaCat all week to get the serotonin flowing. https://t.co/f7A46HVFCuRest in Power, Shonka Dukureh. This world is hard. twitter.com/juliaritchey/s…Celeste Malone@ItsCelesteDI was just listening to Shonka Dukureh's interview on being in the new Elvis movie the other day! May she rest in power. 🏾122I was just listening to Shonka Dukureh's interview on being in the new Elvis movie the other day! May she rest in power. ✊🏾Mark@MWSteelerFanR.I.P. Shonka Dukureh. I loved her scene in the @ElvisPresley movie recently. Forever talented. Forever a star!#ElvisMovie11R.I.P. Shonka Dukureh. I loved her scene in the @ElvisPresley movie recently. Forever talented. Forever a star!#ElvisMovieDetailed information on her date of birth, career, educational background, and personal life is yet to be revealed.