Symarip

Symarip were a pioneering British ska and reggae band formed in the late 1960s by Frank Pitter and Michael Thomas, originally under the name The Bees. Later known as Simaryp (a near-reversal of “pyramids”), The Pyramids, Seven Letters, and Zubaba, the group consisted of musicians of West Indian descent and became historically significant as one of the first bands to deliberately target the skinhead audience. They are widely recognized as one of the earliest skinhead reggae bands, scoring enduring classics such as “Skinhead Girl,” “Skinhead Jamboree,” and the genre-defining “Skinhead Moonstomp,” the latter adapted from Derrick Morgan’s “Moon Hop.” In 1971, the band relocated to Germany and began performing reggae and Afro-rock under the name Zubaba. Their influence resurfaced strongly during the late-1970s and early-1980s ska revival, when “Skinhead Moonstomp” was reissued amid the 2 Tone movement and reached No. 54 on the UK Singles Chart in 1980. The group officially disbanded in 1985 after releasing the album Drunk & Disorderly as The Pyramids, produced by Stevie B and released on Ariola Records. After the split, members pursued different paths across Europe and the United States, contributing individually to reggae scenes in England, Finland, and beyond. Symarip’s legacy experienced a revival in the 2000s, beginning with Trojan Records’ 2004 best-of release that included the new track “Back From the Moon.” Former members reunited for live performances, including a notable 2005 Club Ska show and festival appearances across England. Further tours and compilation releases followed, including Ultimate Collection in 2009, celebrating the band’s rebirth and influence. Today, Symarip remains a cornerstone of early skinhead reggae history, with Frank Pitter retaining the copyright and trademark rights to the name Symarip Pyramid, under which related performances continue.