In an age where specialization often reigns supreme, one Italian artist continues to defy convention, proving that true talent knows no singular form. Gianluca Picariello, better known as Ghemon, has masterfully navigated the worlds of rap, singing, podcasting, and now, stand-up comedy. His journey isn`t just a testament to artistic versatility, but a profound exploration of personal evolution, underpinned by an unwavering passion for sport.
The Art of Constant Reinvention
Ghemon`s artistic trajectory has been a dynamic one, a series of deliberate metamorphoses. “I did everything a moment before it became fashionable,” he quips on stage, a statement that, while delivered with comedic timing, holds a kernel of truth. His recent book, “Nessuno è una cosa sola” (Nobody is just one thing), perfectly encapsulates this philosophy. It`s an ode to the complexity of the human spirit, a rejection of being confined to a single label. After the demanding spotlight of two Sanremo Festivals and subsequent album releases, Ghemon felt a palpable need to explore other facets of his personality. Comedy, a long-present element in his private life, became his new artistic frontier. Where his songs might have conveyed melancholy, stand-up offered a canvas to observe the world through a different lens, to find humor in life`s complexities.
Sport: The Unwavering Constant in a Shifting Career
Amidst this constant artistic evolution, sport stands as Ghemon’s true anchor. “Sport is undoubtedly the thing I`ve done with the most continuity throughout my life,” he states. “It`s my real constant, always in the background of everything else.” His engagement isn`t passive; he practices, researches, and delves deep into various disciplines, driven by an insatiable curiosity. This fluid engagement, jumping from one sport to another, mirrors his artistic adaptability, yet provides a grounding stability.
The Marathon Mindset: From Necessity to Passion
His journey into running exemplifies this perfectly. What began as a physical necessity transformed into a profound passion, culminating in marathons in iconic cities like New York and Chicago. The allure of running, he explains, is in the progressive challenge: “In running, appetite comes with eating: you want to tackle new distances, new speeds.” It taught him a crucial life lesson: the power of focusing on small, controllable objectives. When faced with the anxiety of the future, breaking down goals into “meter by meter” progress becomes a powerful strategy. His next ambition? An ultramarathon, a testament to his relentless pursuit of self-improvement, even if triathlon is currently out due to his “scarso” swimming skills – a rare admission of imperfection from an artist who strives for excellence.
Courtside Confessions: Italy`s Hoops Future and Farewell to Legends
Ghemon`s passion for basketball runs deep. He offers a keen perspective on the Italian national team`s current phase: a period of “renewal” following the retirements of giants like Gigi Datome and Marco Belinelli. While acknowledging the void left by these legends, he expresses optimism for the new guard. He applauds Danilo Gallinari`s stellar season, Nicolò Melli as “one of Europe`s strongest players,” and Simone Fontecchio as “exceptional.”
Belinelli`s retirement, in particular, evokes a mix of fan`s lament and personal admiration. “As a fan, it`s a sadness,” he admits, “but on the other hand, I`ve admired him from the beginning of his career in Italy until the end.” Belinelli, now a father and a champion, achieved nearly everything in his career, though Ghemon feels he “didn`t collect with the National team what he deserved.” This reflection highlights the often-unmet expectations placed on national heroes, a bittersweet reality of international sport. On a personal note, Ghemon looks forward to reclaiming some friendship time with Belinelli, a testament to the bonds forged beyond the court.
The “Most Improved Player” Ethos
When asked what kind of basketball player he would be, Ghemon`s answer isn`t about accolades or raw talent, but about growth: “I`d always want to be the one who improves over the previous year.” It`s an aspiration for constant evolution, not just in sport, but in all facets of life and art. Perhaps, he muses with a hint of irony, Italy might one day introduce such an award for artistic endeavors.
Avellino`s Sporting Heartbeat: Identity and Resilience
His formative years in Avellino deeply imprinted the link between sport and identity. “Growing up in a city where sport, between basketball and football, is so alive, was a great source of pride,” he recounts. The fierce local allegiance, the shared emotions of triumph and despair, taught him invaluable lessons: the sense of group, individuality, commitment, effort, and the sheer joy of play. The painful failures and exhilarating last-minute victories of local teams, like the Scandone basketball team and Avellino calcio, underscore the profound emotional investment inherent in true fandom. His hope, a deeply personal one, is to see Avellino`s teams return to Serie A, a redemption after years of “purgatory.”
Rhymes, Roasts, and Rim Shots: A Unified Art
Ghemon sees a striking symmetry between his diverse artistic expressions and his love for basketball. “Stand-up and rap are two sides of the same coin,” he argues. Both, he explains, capture the present moment with a rapid rhythm, stemming from strong American roots. This rhythmic, permeable nature is precisely why he feels at home in the nascent world of stand-up comedy, just as he did in rap, drawing parallels to the fast-paced, improvisational flow of basketball itself.
And for those wondering if he’s Italy`s answer to Adam Sandler, another celebrity known for his basketball passion and comedic prowess, Ghemon`s response is classic: “Adam Sandler, but better dressed.” A subtle jab, perhaps, but delivered with the self-aware wit of a seasoned performer who aims for Sandler`s broad appeal and comedic genius, albeit with a more refined wardrobe.
Future Comedy Courts: Melli and Datome`s Unscripted Duo
Following the example of NBA star Blake Griffin, who ventured into stand-up, Ghemon has his own picks for Italian basketball players who could shine on stage: Gigi Datome and Nicolò Melli. “They could do an improvised show together,” he suggests, referencing their quick wit and intelligence evident in past national team podcasts. Melli, a known attendee at stand-up nights, and Datome, with his undeniable charisma, would undoubtedly make for an entertaining duo – a fascinating crossover concept only a true enthusiast could envision.
Beyond Borders: An Entertainer`s Manifesto
One might wonder if Ghemon`s unique blend of music, running, and stand-up might be better suited to a different country, perhaps one more accustomed to such multifaceted entertainers. “It might be,” he concedes, “but I was born here and I adapt.” His mission is to “break the mold,” to expand the definition of an entertainer in Italy – someone capable of captivating an audience doing diverse things. He views performance, whether in comedy, music, or sport, as a seamless blend of technical skill and spectacular delivery. Stand-up, he likens to tennis: “You fight for every point, which are the jokes. If the joke lands, the audience cheers; if it misses, you lose the point.” But the key is resilience, moving onto the next shot until the audience is won over.
His ultimate dream? To fill Madison Square Garden. While winning the New York Marathon would be a monumental achievement, the artistic triumph of packing such an iconic venue is “a dream reserved for a few aliens.” After such a feat, he quips, one might just “retire to the countryside to grow tomatoes.” It`s a humorous, yet profound, statement on the boundless ambition of an artist who seeks not just personal accomplishment, but a collective experience of shared joy and spectacle.