The Pyramids

Symarip were a British ska and reggae band formed in the late 1960s by Frank Pitter and Michael Thomas, initially under the name The Bees. Over time, they recorded and performed under several names including The Pyramids, Seven Letters, Zubaba, and Simaryp—an approximate reversal of the word “pyramids.” Comprised of musicians of West Indian descent, the group is widely recognized as one of the first reggae bands to directly target the UK skinhead audience, helping to shape the early skinhead reggae sound. The band achieved lasting recognition with songs such as “Skinhead Girl,” “Skinhead Jamboree,” and especially “Skinhead Moonstomp,” a reworking of Derrick Morgan’s “Moon Hop.” In 1971, they relocated to Germany and performed reggae and Afro-rock as Zubaba. During the 2 Tone revival of the late 1970s and early 1980s, “Skinhead Moonstomp” was reissued and reached No. 54 on the UK Singles Chart, introducing their music to a new generation of listeners. Symarip officially split in 1985 after releasing Drunk & Disorderly as The Pyramids, but members continued with solo and regional projects across Europe and the United States. Interest in the group revived in the 2000s, leading to reissues, reunion performances, and live recordings, including Live at Club Ska. Trojan Records released several compilations celebrating their legacy, and Pitter and Thomas later performed as Symarip Pyramid. Today, Symarip remain influential for their pioneering role in ska and reggae history and their impact on British youth subcultures.