In the vibrant tapestry of Italian culture, some artists are content to weave a single thread. Then there`s Gianluca Picariello, known to the world as Ghemon, a true artistic chameleon who seems to thrive on transformation. From a celebrated rapper and singer to a thoughtful podcaster, and now, a burgeoning stand-up comedian, Ghemon embodies the mantra that “nobody is just one thing.” Yet, amidst this captivating evolution, one constant anchors his journey: the unwavering, passionate embrace of sports.
The Unyielding Constant: A Passion for the Game
For Ghemon, sport isn`t merely a pastime; it`s a lifelong companion. “It`s definitely the thing I`ve done with the most continuity throughout my life,” he muses. “It remains in the background of everything else.” This deep-seated curiosity drives him to explore various disciplines, not just as a participant, but as an avid learner. He immerses himself, gathering knowledge, becoming an expert in whatever catches his athletic eye, whether it`s the intricate strategies of basketball or the solitary rhythm of long-distance running.
From Melancholy Ballads to Roaring Laughter: The Comedy Shift
Ghemon’s recent foray into stand-up comedy, detailed in his book “Nessuno è una cosa sola”, wasn`t a sudden leap but a natural progression. After the intensity of two Sanremo Festivals and consecutive album releases, he felt an imperative to explore other facets of his personality. Comedy, he realized, offered a new lens through which to view the world – a therapeutic shift from the often-melancholic tone of his music. It was a chance to “stop being sad and laugh about it,” a testament to his belief that even after reaching great heights, there`s always more to express.
The Marathon Man: Goals, Grit, and the Long Run
His journey with running perfectly illustrates this philosophy of progressive growth. What began as a physical necessity transformed into a passion for marathons, with the Chicago and New York Marathons under his belt. He emphasizes the “appetite comes with eating” principle: the more you run, the more you yearn for new distances, new speeds. Running taught him the invaluable lesson of breaking down overwhelming goals into manageable “small targets,” focusing on what`s controllable, “meter by meter.” While he humorously sidesteps the triathlon (“too poor a swimmer,” he jests), his ambition for an ultramarathon remains a testament to his unwavering pursuit of self-improvement.
Italian Hoops: A New Dawn and Familiar Faces
As a devoted basketball fan, Ghemon casts a keen eye on the Italian national team. The retirement of legends Gigi Datome and Marco Belinelli marks a clear “renewal” phase, prompting a healthy dose of curiosity for the future. He speaks with admiration for the current crop of stars: Danilo Gallinari, thriving in Puerto Rico with newfound self-awareness; Nicolò Melli, whom he hails as “one of the strongest players in Europe”; and the exceptional Simone Fontecchio. While he admires Belinelli’s glittering career, there’s a poignant note of regret that the sharpshooter couldn`t achieve more with the national squad. In a perfect world, Ghemon imagines himself as the “Most Improved Player” – a metaphor for his own artistic evolution, always striving to be better than the year before.
Avellino`s Sporting Heartbeat: More Than Just a Game
Growing up in Avellino, a city where sport and identity are intertwined, profoundly shaped Ghemon. He speaks with pride about the “living” sports culture of his hometown, where basketball and football ignite fervent local passion. From this environment, he absorbed invaluable lessons: the essence of teamwork, the drive of individuality, the necessity of effort, the agony of defeat, and the euphoria of victory. The recent ascents of Avellino`s football team back to Serie B and the resurgence of its basketball clubs bring him immense joy. “We`ve paid enough purgatory in both sports,” he declares, “now it`s our turn.”
The Rhythmic Link: Rap, Stand-Up, and the Hardwood Court
Ghemon sees an undeniable synergy between rap, stand-up comedy, and basketball. All three, he argues, are “two sides of the same coin”: rapid-fire narratives, deeply rooted in American origins, and inherently rhythmic. “One is in music and rhyme, the other is not, but both tell the `now` with a tight rhythm.” This shared pulse allows him to navigate the world of comedy with the same confidence he once brought to rap. He views stand-up not as a “ring” but as a “tennis court,” where each joke is a point fought for. Land it, and the crowd cheers; miss it, and you move swiftly to the next, unwavering until you win them over.
Comedy`s Dream Team: Datome & Melli on Stage
In a delightful twist of irony, Ghemon even speculates on which Italian basketball players would excel in stand-up comedy. His picks? None other than the recently retired Gigi Datome and the ever-charismatic Nicolò Melli, ideally as a duo. Anyone who has followed the national team`s podcasts would attest to their quick wit and sharp intellect. Melli, a known stand-up enthusiast spotted in audiences, and Datome, with his natural charm, would undoubtedly make for “excellent comedians.”
The Ultimate Stage: Madison Square Garden vs. Marathon Gold
When faced with the hypothetical choice between winning the New York Marathon and filling Madison Square Garden, Ghemon`s answer firmly underscores his artistic priorities. While acknowledging the immense legacy of a marathon victory, he declares, “filling Madison Square Garden is a dream reserved for a few aliens. It would be the most beautiful achievement.” It’s a powerful statement, illustrating his profound commitment to entertainment and the spectacle of performance, a space where “the technical gesture always goes hand in hand with the show.”
Ghemon`s journey is a captivating narrative of an artist who refuses to be confined by labels. He`s a rapper, a runner, a comedian, and a passionate sports enthusiast, each facet enriching the others. His story isn`t just about changing careers; it`s about embracing every dimension of oneself, learning from every challenge, and always, always striving to improve, much like his beloved “Most Improved Player” on the basketball court.
