When Canadian reggae artist Neto Yuth set out to craft “Angles of Light,” his spiritually charged album released in June 2025, there was one track he knew had to sit at the center of it all— “So Long,” a powerful collaboration with reggae icon Anthony B. What emerged is more than a single; it’s a rekindling of a musical bridge between Canada and Jamaica, a symbolic torch passed across generations of roots reggae.
The seeds of “So Long” were planted nearly fifteen years ago at Montreal Reggae Fest, where Neto and Anthony B shared a deep, hours-long reasoning about spirituality and Rastafari. Although they wouldn’t reconnect musically until years later, that conversation laid the foundation for a partnership rooted in shared purpose.
In 2022, while Anthony B was recording with French production powerhouse Irie Ites, the idea surfaced again: reconnect the two artists to bridge eras of reggae. Neto immediately reached out, sending the nearly finished track and requesting Anthony B’s voice on half the chorus and a new verse. By the next morning, Anthony B had already over-delivered—three full verses and chorus parts laid with conviction. One verse had to be cut simply to keep the song from running too long.
The track’s modern new-roots riddim, enriched with subtle pop textures, was originally created by Bob Riddim (Juno and Grammy-nominated). But Netto wanted the single to reflect the full sonic identity of “Angles of Light,” so he brought in longtime friend Soke of Banx & Ranx—a Juno and Grammy-winning producer known for working with global stars like Sean Paul and Dua Lipa.
Soke rebuilt the riddim from the ground up, keeping its essential roots feel while expanding its melodic lift and contemporary sheen. For Bob Riddim, the process doubled as a collaborative learning moment and a fusion of styles—two major Canadian producers shaping a cross-cultural anthem.
“So Long” isn’t just a musical collaboration; it’s an expression of Neto’s core identity. The track’s themes—resilience, spiritual grounding, and challenging oppressive systems “in place for 6000 years”—mirror the larger message of “Angles of Light.” Rastafari, he stresses, is not something he picked up along the way; it is the foundation of who he is both artistically and personally.
The single was recorded years before the album’s release—Neto laid his parts six years ago, and Anthony B added his vocals just before COVID. But he held the track intentionally, waiting for the right album, the right moment, and the right message to deliver it with.
For Neto Yuth, the collaboration with Anthony B is part of a larger mission: to elevate Canadian reggae by reconnecting with the genre’s Jamaican roots.
Although he’s based in Canada, the majority of Neto’s audience comes from Europe, Africa, and Latin America. His years living in Jamaica built invaluable relationships, and he believes Canadian artists could greatly benefit from forging similar ties.
“There’s always been a natural bridge between Canada and Jamaica,” he says, pointing to the legacy of artists like Jackie Mittoo. “That bridge feels weaker today—and we need to rebuild it.”
Neto has previously collaborated with names like Ikaya, Ginjah, Sizzla, Turbulence, and Wayne J, embracing each session as an opportunity for musical and spiritual growth. His focus remains on building catalog, visibility, and momentum—something he believes the Canadian reggae scene desperately needs more of.
“So Long” became the album’s breakout moment. The track was added to over 500 Spotify playlists, including Spotify France’s official reggae playlist, driving momentum that pushed “Angles of Light” to over 600,000 Spotify streams and more than one million total streams across platforms.
“It took real sweat and dedication,” Neto says. “So seeing people worldwide connect with it feels incredibly rewarding.”
Neto hopes younger Canadian reggae and dancehall artists take note. Collaborations with internationally established artists aren’t just creatively enriching—they are essential for expanding visibility. “Talent is not what we’re lacking in Canada,” he explains. “Exposure is.”
He echoes sentiments expressed at this year’s Reggae North Canadian Awards: the scene needs higher output, more collaboration, and a stronger identity on the global stage.
Looking ahead to 2026, Neto is deep into a new album with Soke, continuing to refine the spiritual-meets-modern sound that defines his current arc. He will also be touring Europe in summer 2026, while continuing to push “Angles of Light” to new audiences worldwide.
With “So Long,” Neto Yuth has not only created a powerful anthem but also reminded the global reggae community that Canada’s contributions to the genre remain vibrant—and ready for a resurgence.
