José Manuel de la Cruz, better known as La Fruta, starred in an unforgettable moment in his debut on the magenta carpet of Premio Lo Nuestro. In front of the cameras, he expressed deep gratitude toward Santiago Matías, the influential Alofoke, for having boosted his talent from the beginning. “Santiago Matías laid the first stone,” said the Dominican content creator, acknowledging the key support he received to reach this Latin music stage.
The impact of Santiago Matías on the urban scene
Santiago Matías, an iconic figure in Dominican entertainment, has catapulted careers in the urban genre through his Alofoke Radio Show. His direct, uncensored style opened doors for emerging talents like La Fruta, who moved from local content to shining at international events. This initial backing allowed La Fruta to gain visibility on digital platforms, amassing thousands of followers on social media.
Emotional debut at an elite event
Context of Premio Lo Nuestro 2026
Premio Lo Nuestro, organized by Univision, gathered the best of Latin music in its recent edition, featuring performances by artists such as Bad Bunny and Karol G. La Fruta shared his excitement about taking part in this milestone, which attracts millions of global viewers. His presence on the magenta carpet underscores the growing role of urban content creators in the industry.
- Santiago Matías started his career in Dominican radio more than a decade ago.
- Alofoke has interviewed figures like Ozuna and Anuel AA, boosting new talent.
- La Fruta stands out for humorous sketches that resonate with the Dominican diaspora.
Background of Dominican talent
The rise of La Fruta reflects a trend: Dominican influencers such as Rubén Parra and Clio PD have moved from YouTube to red carpets. Santiago Matías, with his massive audience, acts as a bridge between the local and the global. Media experts note that figures like Alofoke have democratized access to urban stardom, with a measurable impact on streams and views that exceed millions annually.
This public recognition of La Fruta to Santiago Matías reinforces the support network in the Dominican artistic community, where mentors like Alofoke continue shaping the future of urban entertainment.
