In the vibrant tapestry of Italian entertainment, Gianluca Picariello, known artistically as Ghemon, stands out as a true renaissance man. From carving a niche in rap and pop music to engaging audiences as a podcaster and now commanding stages as a stand-up comedian, Ghemon embodies constant evolution. His journey, beautifully encapsulated in his book “Nessuno è una cosa sola” (Nobody is just one thing), reveals a fascinating through-line: an unyielding, profound passion for sport that not only provides a personal anchor but also profoundly shapes his artistic narrative.
The Athletic Heartbeat of an Artist
For Ghemon, sport isn`t merely a hobby; it`s a fundamental constant, a philosophy woven into the fabric of his being. “It`s definitely the thing I`ve done with the most continuity in my entire life,” he asserts, highlighting its role as a steadfast backdrop to all his creative endeavors. This deep-seated curiosity drives him to explore diverse disciplines, from the rhythmic precision of basketball to the grueling endurance of marathon running, becoming an informed enthusiast in each.
From Pavement Pounder to Marathon Man
What began as a necessity evolved into a passion, and then into a demanding pursuit: running. Ghemon`s progression from casual jogs to conquering the iconic marathons of New York and Chicago is a testament to his dedication. He approaches running with a strategic mindset, advocating for the power of small, achievable goals. “When you`re anxious about the future, focusing on an attainable objective helps you think meter by meter,” he explains, a wisdom he applies equally to life and art. His next ambitious target? An ultramarathon, though he playfully concedes a current lack of swimming prowess might put a damper on any triathlon aspirations. After all, “I like to do things well,” he quipped.
Courtside Analyst: Italy`s Basketball Renaissance
Ghemon`s connection to basketball is particularly fervent, deeply rooted in his upbringing in Avellino, a city where sport and identity are intertwined. He speaks with genuine insight about the Italian national team, acknowledging its current phase of renewal following the retirements of stalwarts Gigi Datome and Marco Belinelli.
“With Gigi Datome and Belinelli retiring, things have changed, and we are in full renewal,” Ghemon observes, praising the current crop of talent. Danilo Gallinari, he notes, enjoyed a “beautiful season,” while Nicolò Melli is lauded as “one of the strongest players in Europe,” and Simone Fontecchio as “exceptional.”
The departure of a legend like Marco Belinelli evokes a mix of fan lament and personal admiration. “As a fan, it`s a sadness to know he`s retired,” Ghemon admits, yet he celebrates Belinelli`s illustrious career, his evolution into a family man, and his myriad achievements. His only regret is that Belinelli`s national team career perhaps didn`t yield the silverware his individual talent merited, a common lament for passionate supporters.
Rap, Stand-up, and the Rhythms of the Game
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Ghemon`s philosophy is his ability to draw direct parallels between the dynamic, improvisational nature of basketball and his diverse artistic pursuits. He sees rap and stand-up comedy as two sides of the same coin: both recount the “now” with a rapid rhythm, stemming from strong American roots and characterized by their permeable, rhythmic language – much like basketball itself. This shared pulse allows him to navigate new performance environments with confidence, feeling as natural on a comedy stage as he once did exclusively rapping.
His humorous suggestion of Gigi Datome and Nicolò Melli as potential stand-up comedians is particularly telling. Having witnessed Melli in the audience at comedy nights and knowing both players` quick wit from national team podcasts, Ghemon sees the potential for a formidable, albeit unconventional, duo. “Melli, among other things, I`ve seen him multiple times in the audience at stand-up nights. He and Datome would definitely be excellent comedians,” he mused, with a likely knowing smirk.
The Most Improved Artist: A Personal Ambition
When asked to envision himself as a basketball player, Ghemon doesn`t choose a star scorer or a defensive anchor. Instead, he gravitates towards the “Most Improved Player” award, an annual NBA accolade. This desire to constantly better himself, year after year, reflects his artistic trajectory and commitment to personal growth. It`s a testament to his belief that true mastery lies not just in current skill, but in the relentless pursuit of improvement.
Avellino`s Enduring Spirit and Universal Dreams
Ghemon`s roots in Avellino, where sporting allegiance is a cornerstone of identity, taught him invaluable lessons: the essence of teamwork, individual effort, discipline, and the sheer joy of play. The emotional highs of local team victories and the profound disappointments of club failures underscore the depth of his connection. Yet, his ambitions stretch beyond local triumphs. When posed with the choice between winning the New York Marathon and filling Madison Square Garden for a performance, his answer speaks volumes about the ultimate entertainer`s dream.
“I`m sorry for the running world and for how much it would mean to be remembered for winning a marathon, but I believe filling Madison Square Garden is a dream reserved for a few aliens. It would be the most beautiful achievement. After something like that, one could even retire to the countryside and grow tomatoes.”
This sentiment perfectly encapsulates Ghemon: an artist who lives and breathes the discipline of sport, channeling its lessons into a dynamic, evolving career. He`s a proponent of pushing boundaries, proving that an entertainer can truly be multifaceted, embodying technical skill and pure spectacle, whether through a microphone, a sneaker, or a witty observation. In a world often keen to pigeonhole, Ghemon champions the liberating idea that nobody is, indeed, just one thing.
