The SiGMA Cape Town 2026 event was buzzing with conversation. Conversations were happening all over the place. There were networking lounges, casual meetups, and all corners of the venue were filled to the brim with stories, ideas, and real stories.
The summit took place in Cape Town from March 3rd to 5th, 2026 and brought together global leaders, affiliates, marketers, and innovators all looking to explore the future of iGaming and digital ecosystems.
One of those conversations was going to be recorded as an episode of the NookTalks podcast, in which Jeremy Castillo – Sales Head – EU at Affnook and Tiane Brand – Head of Affiliates at 4King Media – sat down to discuss an interview that turned into a conversation about growth and the hustle that Tiane went through to get where he is today.
From First Meeting to Familiar Faces
The conversation started on a warm note. Jeremy mentioned that this was their second time meeting and interviewing Tiane, which immediately set a friendly and comfortable tone.
That’s what events like SiGMA do: they turn professional connections into familiar faces. And when conversations happen in that kind of environment, they feel more real and less scripted.
What 4King Media Really Does
When asked about her role, Tiane kept it simple and honest.
She explained that 4King Media focuses on driving global traffic, across both crypto and fiat channels, working with a mix of sources including influencers and streamers—something she is personally very passionate about.
Their main goal is to bring in as many deposits and first-time users (FTDs) as possible for their partners.
But what made their model interesting is that they don’t just act like a typical affiliate.
- They work in a hybrid way
- Acting as an external team
- While also operating like an in-house affiliate department
This allows them to manage relationships closely while still bringing flexibility and scale.
A Journey That Wasn’t Planned
One of the most relatable parts of the conversation was Tiane’s personal journey.
She didn’t start in iGaming at all.
Before this, she was an entrepreneur running a clothing brand. But like many business stories, things didn’t go as planned. Some of her shops closed down, and she had to make a quick decision about her next step.
Instead of giving up, she adapted.
She joined a company (Slot Vibe) in an admin role, something very different from running her own business. But within just four months, her potential started to show.
As she described it, she had a bit of a “secret sauce.”
That led to rapid growth, and within a year, she moved up to become Head of Operations.
It’s a story that reflects what many people experience, not a straight path, but a journey shaped by learning, adapting, and stepping up when opportunities come.
Impressions of SiGMA Cape Town 2026
When Jeremy asked about her experience at the event, Tiane’s answer captured the essence of SiGMA perfectly.
She described the conference as:
- More organized
- More refined
- And growing stronger every year
But beyond the event itself, she highlighted something bigger, the rise of the African market.
She mentioned how, just a few years ago, African traffic wasn’t talked about much. But today, it’s becoming one of the most exciting growth areas in the industry.
This aligns with what many at the event were discussing, Africa is rapidly becoming a key player in global iGaming and digital growth.
And for Tiane, being South African, this growth felt personal. It brought a sense of pride seeing her region gaining global attention.
The Human Side of Business
One of the most refreshing parts of the conversation was how human it felt.
Tiane spoke about how South Africans are naturally friendly, and how that reflects in business interactions. Deals don’t just happen in meeting rooms they happen through conversations, shared moments, and genuine connections.
Jeremy echoed this sentiment, sharing his own experience of visiting Cape Town multiple times and calling it his “second home.”
It’s a reminder that while business is important, people and relationships are what truly drive it forward.
Life Beyond Work
The conversation also touched on personal milestones. Tiane shared that she had recently bought a house in Johannesburg, marking a big moment in her life.
Moments like these bring a different dimension to professional conversations. They remind us that behind every role, title, and company, there’s a person building their own journey.
Accessibility and Openness
Towards the end, Tiane made something very clear she is approachable.
She openly shared that anyone looking to collaborate or explore opportunities can reach out to her via Telegram or Instagram.
And Jeremy added a nice touch
“If you can’t reach her, reach out to me, and I’ll connect you.”
That kind of openness is what makes the industry feel connected and collaborative.
Final Thoughts
This conversation at SiGMA Cape Town 2026 wasn’t just about business, it was about people, journeys, and growth.
- From building a clothing brand to leading affiliate operations
- From local beginnings to global exposure
- From uncertainty to confidence
Tiane’s story reflects what the industry is really about, adapting, evolving, and finding your place in a fast-changing world.
And that’s exactly what SiGMA represents. Not just an event, but a space where stories like these come to life.
