Afonso I, original name Mvemba a Nzinga, also called Nzinga Mbemba, also spelled Afonso I Mvemba a Nzinga, (born c. 1460—died 1542), ruler of Kongo (historical kingdom in west-central Africa) and the first of a line of Portuguese vassal kings that lasted until the early 20th century.

The letters under analysis were written by Nzinga Mbemba (Afonso I) the king of Kongo to the Portuguese King, the letters were written in 1526 the first one in July and the second one in October. When he returned in 1491, he was accompanied by Portuguese priests and Portuguese products, and in the same year the Kongolese king and his son were baptized as Catholics. He is sometimes called “The Apostle of Kongo” for his role in making Kongo a Christian kingdom. Born Mvemba a Nzinga, he was the son of Manikongo (Mwene Kongo) (king) Nzinga a Nkuwu, the fifth king of the Kongo dynasty.

A Portuguese sailor came into contact with the Kingdom of Kongo, which occupied a vast territory along the Congo River in central Africa, in 1483. Title: King Afonso I, Letter to King John III of Portugal Author: Peter Casey Created Date: 5/1/2014 6:01:15 PM