Nando's and Spier Arts Trust present

1-54 London 2026

Blessing Blaai, Lionel Mbayiwa and Mellaney Roberts at Somerset House for the 14th London edition of 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair, 15 to 18 October.

In partnership with Nando's

The partnership

Nando's and Spier Arts Trust at 1-54

Nando's is Spier Arts Trust's major partner at 1-54. Together we have brought Southern African artists to the fair every October since 2015, and in 2026 Nando's UK is a bronze sponsor of its 14th London edition.

Nando’s patronage of contemporary Southern African art, through the close partnership with Spier Arts Trust, enables both opportunities for artists and curation of the Nando’s body of work.

The long-term partnership between Nando’s and Spier Arts Trust enables artists to focus full-time on their artistic careers and offers the potential to earn regular income. Nando’s believes this can make a difference in artists’ lives, and in turn grow their own collection of high-quality Southern African contemporary art.

Thu 15 OctVIP and press preview, 10am to 7pm

Fri 16 – Sat 17 OctOpen to the public, 11am to 7pm

Sun 18 OctOpen to the public, 11am to 6pm

Meet the artists

Artist 01

Blessing Blaai

Painting, drawing, printmaking and murals · Johannesburg

Born in Johannesburg in 1994 and shaped by Troyeville, Blessing Blaai works across painting, drawing, printmaking and murals. His semi-abstract language of bright colour and flat planes explores how city life transforms the landscapes, physical and emotional, that define us.

He trained at 32 Flavours Art Studio and Artist Proof Studio, received the Council Chambers Totem Award in 2016, and is represented by Gallery MOMO.

Instagram @khanblaai

The Door Outside by Blessing Blaai — *The Door Outside* (2025)
Acrylic and oil paint on canvas · 765 × 1060 mm
Nando's UK Collection

Letter to the Unseen by Blessing Blaai — *Letter to the Unseen* (2025)
Acrylic paint on canvas · 915 × 610 mm
Nando's Malaysia Collection

Artist 02

Lionel Mbayiwa

Painting, drawing, sculpture and photography · Cape Town

Born in Zimbabwe in 1982 and now based in Cape Town, Lionel Mbayiwa draws on his Shona heritage and the folk tales told by the fire (Ngano). His animal allegories explore power, leadership and morality, and the displacement and belonging of his family's move to South Africa.

His installation Kudzivirira Mheni was part of the Spier Light Art Festival (2022), followed by Takambosvika Sei Pano? at Sisonke Gallery (2023) and Nando's Creative Exchange (2024).

Instagram @baba_kupa

Vabvakure (Immigrants) by Lionel Mbayiwa — *Vabvakure (Immigrants)* (2024)
Fabric and thread on linen · 1165 × 810 mm
Private Collection

Kupindana Kwemazuva by Lionel Mbayiwa — *Kupindana Kwemazuva* (2024)
Mixed media on canvas · 710 × 915 mm
Nando's UK Collection

Artist 03

Mellaney Roberts

Ceramics, glass and metal · Pretoria and Johannesburg

Born in Willowmore in 1988, Mellaney Roberts is a ceramic artist, academic and educator. Rooted in the landscapes of the Eastern Cape, her forms in clay, glass and metal hold material memory, land-based narratives and intergenerational histories.

She lectures at Tshwane University of Technology, took part in Nando's Creative Exchange (2023), was a Top 21 finalist for the 2024 Henrike Grohs Art Award, and is represented by Berman Contemporary.

Instagram @mellaney.coza