From the Red Carpet to Customer Success: Meeting our very own WIKA Royalty 👑

Zoe Konings
12 minutes ago
3 min read

A wide-angle photograph capturing the Windhoek Karneval (WIKA) celebration on a stage. In the center, on elevated steps, are Princess Tatjana I and Prince Kolja I. Tatjana wears a long white dress and a small red velvet capelet. Kolja wears a red, gold, and white uniform. Surrounding them are numerous performers in elaborate red, white, and gold carnival costumes, including several women in short-skirt outfits and a man in a black suit to the left. The background features a large decorative golden and black keyhole shape with suspended golden coins. Dark curtains and orange hanging lights frame the stage. — Princess Tatjana and Prince Kolja taking centre stage amidst the vibrant celebration of the Windhoek Karneval (WIKA) on coronation night.

At V5 Digital, we always say our team is made of "superstars," but this month, we’re officially adding "Royalty" to that list.

We are bursting with pride to announce that our very own Customer Success Officer, Tatjana Leigh Sircoulomb, has been crowned as Princess Tatjana I, von dem roten Teppich (of the Red Carpet) for the 2026 Windhoek Karneval (WIKA)!

A close-up portrait of Tatjana Leigh Sircoulomb, wearing a small red and pearl royal crown and a red velvet capelet. She has a playful, smirk-like smile and is touching her head in a gesture of surprise or amusement. She is standing in front of gold-colored curtains. — Introducing Her Royal Highness: Princess Tatjana I von dem roten Teppich! 👑

What is WIKA?

For those who aren’t familiar, the Windhoek Karneval is a cornerstone of Namibian culture, celebrating over 70 years of tradition. This year, the theme is "Wunderland", a call to leave the daily grind at the door and embrace a world of laughter, community, and "controlled madness." It’s a season where joy speaks louder than reason, and different cultures unite through shared celebration.

A Royal Legacy 20 Years in the Making

For Tatjana, this isn’t just a title; it’s in her DNA. Her journey with WIKA began in the early 2000s, and exactly 20 years ago, in 2006, she served as the Kikawi Princess.

"Karneval is almost better than Christmas for me," Tatjana says. "It’s a lifelong devotion that brings friends and family together for the most joyful occasions."

The Sircoulomb family is practically Karneval royalty, with her father, aunt, uncle, and cousins all having served as royalty in both the Windhoek and Tsumeb Karnevals over the years.

An outdoor photograph capturing the symbolic handover of the city key to the 2026 WIKA royalty. On the left, a woman wearing a plaid shirt and jeans (Deputy Mayor Albertina Amutenya) holds a large, traditional brass key. She is handing it to Princess Tatjana I (center), who wears a long white dress, small red and pearl crown, and a red velvet capelet, smiling broadly. To the right is Prince Kolja I in his full red, white, and gold traditional uniform, also smiling, holding the other end of the key. Another man in a similar traditional uniform stands behind Tatjana. They are in front of green foliage and a modern city building, with a blue WIKA backdrop behind them. — Official Permission Granted: Princess Tatjana and Prince Kolja receive the keys to the city of Windhoek from Deputy Mayor Albertina Amutenya, officially kicking off 11 days of WIKA "Wunderland." 🗝️

The Keys to the City: Royal Permission Granted!

The 2026 Windhoek Karneval (WIKA) officially kicked off with the symbolic handover of the city key, granting the festival full permission to "rule" the capital for the next 11 days. During a ceremony with Deputy Mayor Albertina Amutenya and WIKA President Norbert Wurm, this crucial 72nd edition, themed “Karneval in Wunderland”, was celebrated as a vital symbol of "One Namibia, One Nation." accepting the keys as a symbol of trust, Prince Kolja Von Wenzel and Princess Tatjana Sircoulomb promised to lead Windhoek into a spirit of joy and laughter where "a little more is possible," pledging to return the city even brighter than before!

Why "The Red Carpet"?

In WIKA tradition, royal titles reflect the person behind the crown. While Tatjana ensures our clients succeed here at V5 Digital, her heart has a deep-rooted passion for the film industry. As a filmmaker at heart, her title "Princess Tatjana I von dem roten Teppich" perfectly bridges her love for the silver screen with her vibrant public role.

From JUKA Socials to V5 Digital Success

Interestingly, it was Tatjana’s work in the Karneval community that paved the way for her career with us. Before her coronation, she was heavily involved in the social media management for the Youth Karneval (JUKA). Her knack for digital engagement and community building is exactly what makes her such a powerhouse in her role as our Customer Success Officer.

A close-up outdoor photograph capturing Princess Tatjana I and Prince Kolja I during the WIKA Street Parade. Tatjana is on the right, wearing white sunglasses, a white sleeveless top with a small red and pearl crown, and a subtle arm tattoo. She is smiling broadly. Kolja is on the left, wearing sunglasses and an elaborate red, white, and gold carnival uniform with a traditional feathered hat. They are close together, smiling at the camera, with a vibrant red float structure and modern city buildings under a bright blue sky in the background. — "Reason is sold out today!" Princess Tatjana and Prince Kolja bring the party to the WIKA Street Parade, proving that the celebration is safe in their joyful hands. 🤡🎉💃

A Message from the Throne

In her joint address with Prince Kolja I, Architekt des Frohsinns (Architeckt of Joy), Tatjana reminds us all: "Take care of one another, celebrate responsibly, and let kindness be part of the costume you never take off."

We couldn't have said it better ourselves! Please join us in congratulating Princess Tatjana I. If you see her out at the WIKA events this season from the Street Parade to the International Evening be sure to say hello to V5’s favourite Royal!

WIKA – Vernunft heute ausverkauft! (Reason is sold out today!) 🤡🎭

A wide-angle indoor stage photograph of Princess Tatjana I and Prince Kolja I waving to an unseen audience. Tatjana is on the left, wearing a long white gown and red velvet capelet with lace gloves, waving with her left hand. Kolja is on the right in his full red, white, and gold traditional uniform, waving with his right hand. They both wear medals. In the background, on an upper level, several men in formal wear, medals, and traditional karneval hats are applauding. The stage backdrop features a teal and white balustrade and a large, partially visible clock face. — A Royal Wave from the Stage: Princess Tatjana I and Prince Kolja I share a moment of joy with their community on coronation night.

Ready for the Royal Treatment?

Whether she’s leading the festivities in her crown or supporting our team at the office, Tatjana’s passion for people always shines through. We’re proud to have her back in the "throne" this year, ensuring that our clients always receive the royal treatment!

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