Here is a paragraph describing the similarities between Kongolese society before and after the Portuguese arrived:
The Kongolese civilization had a stable political structure and complex culture long before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 15th century. However, despite the dramatic changes wrought by European colonization, several key elements of Kongolese society remained similar over time. Politically, the Kongolese retained their centralized kingdom ruled by a king, or manikongo, along with regional governors and officials. The manikongo continued to wield traditional spiritual and political authority over the people. Economically, the Kongolese relied on slave labor within an agricultural system focused on cassava and maize cultivation. The Portuguese arrival did bring new export crops like sugar and pepper, but agriculture overall continued to dominate the Kongolese economy. Culturally, Kongolese society held on to many of its traditions and social patterns even amidst European influence. The Kongolese language, religious practices, and artistic styles all persisted despite the expanding presence of Portuguese settlers, traders, and Christian missionaries. In many ways, the core of Kongolese civilization—rooted in the region's thick rainforests, fertile lands, and complex social organization—proved resilient in the face of colonial encroachment.