On this day — October 18 in African history

Félix Houphouët-Boigny, who became the first President of Côte d'Ivoire, was born.

Maurice El Mediouni, Algerian pianist and leading figure of chaabi and pied-noir music, was born.

Boughera El Ouafi, Algerian-French runner who won France's first Olympic marathon gold medal in 1928, died.

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Lucky Dube, South African reggae singer known for his messages against apartheid and violence, was murdered in Johannesburg.

Abdel Rahman Swar al-Dahab, Sudanese general who led a transitional military government in 1985 before voluntarily ceding power to civilians, died.