Baz Luhrmann and Doja Cat Pay Respects to ‘Elvis’ Performer Shonka Dukureh: ‘A Special Light Went Out Today’
thewrap.comfound dead in her apartment on Thursday. “A special light went out today and all of the Elvis movie family are heartbroken by the loss of Shonka Dukureh,” Luhrmann wrote on his Instagram. “From the moment she came into our world, Shonka brought joy, spirit and of course her voice and her music.
Whenever she was on set, on stage or even just in the room, everyone always felt uplifted.” Dukureh, 44, portrayed Big Mama Thornton in Luhrmann’s film “Elvis” in what was her feature film debut.
She’s also credited with recording “Hound Dog” on the “Elvis” original movie soundtrack. And as for her work with pop star Doja Cat, Dukureh appeared in the music video “Vegas” and was even invited to perform during Doja Cat’s set at Coachella. “Was a true honor getting to know her, and I am so grateful to her for lending her incredible vocals to ‘Vegas,'” Doja Cat wrote on her Instagram story.
You can see a screenshot below. In a statement provided to TheWrap on Thursday, Warner Bros. EVP Music Darren Higman said that Dukureh was a “very special talent.”“When we began looking for singers and musicians for ‘Elvis’ we came across a very special talent in our gospel session by the name of Shonka.
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