Ynairaly Simo is an American actress, singer, and model best known for voicing Gabi in the 2021 Netflix animated musical Vivo. Born in New York City to Dominican parents and raised in the Bronx, she began modeling as a toddler and acting as a young child. In addition to her breakout role alongside songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, she has continued voice work in children’s series and released original music.
Quick Answer
Ynairaly Simo is a 19-year-old Dominican-American actress, singer, and model from the Bronx. She rose to wider recognition as the voice of the energetic young character Gabi in Netflix’s Vivo (2021), a musical film with songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda. She performed several tracks on the soundtrack, including a remix of “My Own Drum” with Missy Elliott. Simo has also appeared in Creative Galaxy, Alma’s Way, and Firebuds, and continues to release original singles while modeling and supporting her mother’s children’s fashion brand.
Ynairaly Simo Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Ynairaly Simo (also credited as Ynairaly J. Simo) |
| Date of birth | August 9, 2007 |
| Age | 19 (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | New York City |
| Heritage | Dominican-American |
| Profession | Actress, singer, model |
| Known for | Voice of Gabi in Vivo (2021) |
| Education | Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music |
| Active since | Modeling from age 3; acting from age 5 |
What Is Ynairaly Simo Best Known For?
Ynairaly Simo is best known for voicing Gabi in the Netflix animated musical Vivo (2021). Gabi is a confident, rhythm-driven young girl who embarks on an adventure with a kinkajou named Vivo. The film features original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Simo both acted and sang in the role. Her performance of songs such as “My Own Drum,” “Keep the Beat,” and “Grand Finale,” plus a remix of “My Own Drum” featuring Missy Elliott, introduced her to a broad family audience.
Early Life and Beginnings
Ynairaly Simo was born on August 9, 2007, in New York City. Both of her parents emigrated from the Dominican Republic. She grew up in the Bronx, specifically in the Fordham Heights area, and has spoken about the importance of her Latino heritage and neighborhood culture. Her mother, Ydamys Simo, is a children’s fashion designer and CEO of her own brand; she has been closely involved in her daughter’s early career.
Simo began modeling at age 3 and moved into acting by age 5. She appeared in national print ads, commercials, and early television work. She attended Celia Cruz Bronx High School of Music, a specialized arts high school named after the Cuban singer Celia Cruz, which aligned with her dual interest in performance and music.
Breakthrough Role: Gabi in Vivo
Simo’s major breakthrough came with Vivo, released on Netflix in August 2021. Directed by Kirk DeMicco, the film stars the voice of Lin-Manuel Miranda as the title character and features Zoe Saldaña and others in the cast. Simo was cast as Gabi, a central human character whose personality and musical numbers drive much of the story’s energy.
In addition to the voice performance, she contributed vocals to multiple soundtrack songs. The remix of “My Own Drum” with Missy Elliott received particular attention and appeared as an official music video. The role marked her first major feature credit and brought her recognition among animation and family audiences. She later performed material from the film at events including the Annie Awards.
Other Acting and Voice Work
Before Vivo, Simo appeared in the children’s series Creative Galaxy. After her breakout she continued in animated and children’s programming. In 2023 she voiced a character named Gabi in an episode of the PBS series Alma’s Way. In 2025 she joined the Disney Junior series Firebuds as Cruz, appearing in multiple episodes of the third season.
She has also participated in runway modeling during New York Fashion Week and Los Angeles Fashion Week for various designers, often in connection with her mother’s fashion work.
Music Career
Simo’s work on the Vivo soundtrack launched her as a recording artist. She has continued releasing original music. In 2026 she issued several singles, including “When We Can’t Rewind,” “Iron Door,” and “Signal in the Quiet,” available on major streaming platforms. These releases show an ongoing focus on music alongside acting.
Personal Background and Family
Simo is the daughter of Dominican immigrants. Her mother, Ydamys Simo, runs a children’s fashion brand and has publicly supported her daughter’s career from modeling and runway appearances through the Vivo promotion. The family has emphasized pride in their Bronx roots and Dominican heritage. Simo has not publicly detailed any romantic relationships; as a young adult she remains primarily focused on performance work.
What Is Ynairaly Simo Doing Now?
As of 2026 Simo continues to balance voice acting, original music, and modeling. She appeared as Cruz in Firebuds in 2025 and has released multiple independent singles in 2026. She remains active on social media under the handle @ynairaly_simo, sharing updates related to music, fashion, and family events connected to her mother’s brand. Vivo continues to stream on Netflix and regularly introduces new viewers to her work as Gabi.
Notable Credits
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Creative Galaxy | Self / early appearance | Children’s series |
| 2021 | Vivo | Gabi (voice) | Netflix animated musical; soundtrack performer |
| 2021 | “My Own Drum (Remix)” | Performer (with Missy Elliott) | Music video and soundtrack single |
| 2023 | Alma’s Way | Gabi (voice) | Guest appearance |
| 2025 | Firebuds | Cruz | Multiple episodes |
| 2026 | Original singles | Artist | “When We Can’t Rewind,” “Iron Door,” “Signal in the Quiet” |
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Ynairaly Simo?
Ynairaly Simo was born on August 9, 2007. She is 19 years old as of 2026.
What is Ynairaly Simo famous for?
She is best known for voicing Gabi in the 2021 Netflix animated musical Vivo and for performing songs on the film’s soundtrack, including a remix with Missy Elliott.
Did Ynairaly Simo sing in Vivo?
Yes. She performed several songs, including “My Own Drum,” “Keep the Beat,” “Running Out of Time,” “Grand Finale,” and the “My Own Drum” remix featuring Missy Elliott.
Where is Ynairaly Simo from?
She was born in New York City and raised in the Bronx. Her parents are from the Dominican Republic.
What other projects has Ynairaly Simo done?
In addition to Vivo, she has appeared in Creative Galaxy, voiced a role in Alma’s Way (2023), and played Cruz in Firebuds (2025). She also continues modeling and releases original music.
Is Ynairaly Simo still releasing music?
Yes. In 2026 she released multiple singles, including “When We Can’t Rewind,” “Iron Door,” and “Signal in the Quiet.”
