I WON’T BE HELD DOWN
Press Release
“A defiant anthem of resilience and self-determination from one of Australia’s leading wordsmiths”.
Release date: November 20, 2025
Genre: Spoken Word / Hip Hop / Conscious Poetry
RIYL: Akala, Kae Tempest, Dobby, L-Fresh the LION
Contact: info@lukalesson.com
LUKA LESSON // I WON’T BE HELD DOWN
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Australian Poetry Slam Champion Luka Lesson has announced the release of his new single "I Won't Be Held Down", arriving November 20, 2025. The track marks a bold return to uncompromising artistry, blending incisive lyricism with raw performance energy. Produced by ARIA Award-winning artist Dobby (Rhyan Clapham)—renowned for his work with Baker Boy and his own groundbreaking fusion of hip-hop and Indigenous storytelling—the collaboration brings together two of Australia's most vital artists in contemporary poetry and music.
In a decisive move, as well as the regular streaming platforms, Luka will be releasing "I Won't Be Held Down" on his artist-owned platform HEARTH, championing a model that prioritises artist equity and direct connection with audiences. Fans can pay a monthly or yearly subscription for all of Luka’s releases, plus his highly sought after writing courses.
The single launches ahead of Luka's Acapella Verses National Tour 2026, where he will bring his new collection of work to theatres and cultural spaces across the country.
"This piece is about breaking free from the forces—internal and external—that try to keep us small," says Luka.
"It's about ancestral strength, facing inherited trauma, and choosing to rise despite the weight. This is an anthem for anyone struggling to get up in the morning. It's a declaration: I will wear the crown. I won't be held down."
"I Won't Be Held Down" will be available on all streaming platforms from November 20, 2025. Audiences can hear it live as part of the Acapella Verses Tour, beginning in Adelaide on March 14, 2026.
“In the midst of a riot / I’ll be wearing a crown / I won’t be held down”
MUSIC VIDEO:
I WON’T BE HELD DOWN
Shot & Edited in Naarm / Melbourne by Stavros Vlachogiannis
Directed by Luka Lesson & Stavros Vlachogiannis
LUKA LESSON // SHORT BIO
Luka Lesson is a poet and rapper of Greek heritage born in Brisbane, Australia. His work crosses between the history of his family homeland, the fiercely political and the vulnerably self-reflective. A former Australian Poetry Slam Champion (2011), Luka has featured at the mecca for slam poetry: the Nuyorican Poets' Cafe (NYC), performed with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra and toured with respected UK rapper Akala. Luka has released three collections of poetry independently: The Future Ancients (2013), Antidote (2015) and Agapi & Other Kinds of Love (2022) and two poetic rap albums: Please Resist Me (2012) and EXIT (2014).
Luka has also taken the stage with his band at festivals such as Splendour in the Grass (Byron Bay), 4E Hiphop Festival (Sydney) and OneBlood Festival (South Africa).
Luka's poetry performances have been featured at major festivals such as the Sydney Writers’ Festival, Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, and the Hong Kong Literature Festival.
Luka's work has become a nod to both ancient and modern forms, from the actors and 'rhapsodes' of classical Greece (the original performers of epic poetry), to the rap artists that inspired him while growing up as a migrant kid in Brisbane.
Luka's first Hip-hop theatre project: Agapi & Other Kinds of Love premiered at the National Museum of Australia during their exhibition entitled Ancient Greeks: Athletes, Warriors & Heroes to rave reviews.
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"Luka is a genuine artist of high quality whose poetry is powerful and poignant. I salute his prophetic witness!"
DR CORNEL WEST
U.S. PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE
& PHILOSOPHER -
"Luka Lesson is one of those people who changes the weather; who by his very presence makes the landscape seem more possible, more holy, more liveable. More true of heart. Words make worlds. Luka knows this. His mouth is a creation story...and we are all better for it.""
DOMINIQUE CHRISTINA
AWARD WINNING POET -
“Luka Lesson is the kind of poet other poets want to be: other poets want to be honest”
SHANE KOYCZAN
AWARD WINNING POET -
"A voice and presence capable of casting and holding a spell"
JOHN SHAND
PLAYWRIGHT & THEATRE CRITIC -
“Luka Lesson is quickly becoming one of the most powerful artists of our medium. All comments about awesome word play and clever lines aside his work is most importantly simple, honest, rebellion. The stuff that all great art is made from.”
KEN ARKIND
AWARD WINNING POET -
Luka is an intuitive, dauntless and irrepressibly curious writer. His celebration of underheard stories is clear in his complex, multilayered narratives, and I’m always excited to read his new work—the true mark of a constantly evolving artist.
HALA ALYAN
AWARD WINNING POET
& NOVELIST -
"Luka Lesson is a sonic literary genius."
TAYLOR MALI
AWARD WINNING POET -
"Luka Lesson is a world class talent. He has a rare combination of hip hop cadence and a sculptor’s eye, combined with an on-stage charisma that makes his performances mesmerising. "
OMAR MUSA
AWARD WINNING POET
& NOVELIST