Gianluca Picariello, known artistically as Ghemon, is not one to sit still. This Italian artist has an uncanny knack for reinvention, seamlessly shifting from rap to soulful singing, podcasting, and most recently, stand-up comedy. Yet, beneath this whirlwind of creative evolution lies a steadfast anchor: an enduring, profound passion for sports. It`s a passion that not only grounds him but also profoundly shapes his artistic narrative.
The Unstoppable Athlete of Ambition: Sport as a Constant
In a career marked by constant transformation, Ghemon identifies sport as his “true constant.” It`s not merely a hobby but a fundamental element of his life – a practice, an informed interest, and a fervent obsession. His approach to sport mirrors his artistic curiosity: he leaps between disciplines, absorbing knowledge, and striving for expertise. This ethos of continuous engagement and improvement isn`t just about physical prowess; it`s a philosophy.
Take running, for instance. What began as a mere physical necessity blossomed into a commitment to marathons, including prestigious events in New York and Chicago. This journey taught him a valuable life lesson: approaching grand, intimidating objectives by breaking them down into manageable, “meter-by-meter” goals. This strategy, honed on the track, serves as a potent antidote to future anxiety, allowing him to focus on what’s controllable. His next ambitious athletic target? An ultramarathon, a goal he pursues with the same meticulous dedication he applies to his craft.
From Melancholy Ballads to Punchline Power: The Therapeutic Shift to Stand-Up
Ghemon`s journey into stand-up comedy was more than a career pivot; it was, in his own words, “a great therapy.” Following intense creative periods, including two appearances at Italy`s revered Sanremo music festival, he felt a deep need to explore other facets of his personality. Comedy, an inherent part of his private life, offered a new artistic lens. Where his songs might have embraced melancholy, stand-up provided a stage to “stop being sad and laugh about it.”
He views stand-up and rap as “two sides of the same coin”—both are rooted in American cultural idioms, both are intensely rhythmic, and both are about articulating “the now.” This intrinsic connection allows him to navigate the burgeoning stand-up scene with the same confidence and fluidity he found in rap, proving that the language of performance is universal, regardless of the medium.
An Italian Basketball Fan`s Candid View: Renewal and Reflection
As a devoted basketball enthusiast, Ghemon offers a sharp, contemporary analysis of the Italian national team. He acknowledges a period of “full renovation” following the retirements of national legends Gigi Datome and Marco Belinelli. While expressing sadness at Belinelli`s departure as a fan, he praises his illustrious career, acknowledging that not every athlete achieves all their dreams with the national team.
He champions the current crop of players, highlighting Danilo Gallinari`s stellar season, Nicolo Melli as “one of Europe`s strongest players,” and Simone Fontecchio as “exceptional.” His admiration for Melli, in particular, extends beyond the court; Ghemon even envisions Melli, alongside Datome, as a formidable stand-up comedy duo, a testament to their quick wit observed in national team podcasts and Melli`s own attendance at comedy shows.
The “Most Improved Player” Philosophy and the Heart of Avellino
If Ghemon were a basketball player, he`d aspire to be the “Most Improved Player” – an annual NBA award. This desire to always surpass his previous self perfectly encapsulates his life philosophy: constant growth, evolution, and refinement. It`s a mindset that drives his diverse artistic pursuits and his athletic endeavors.
His roots in Avellino, a city where sport (both football and basketball) forms an integral part of its identity, instilled in him profound values: the importance of teamwork, individual effort, commitment, perseverance, and, crucially, the joy of play. He recounts the emotional highs and lows of Avellino`s sports teams, from heartbreaking failures to exhilarating last-second victories, dreaming of seeing both the local football and basketball clubs return to Serie A. This deep-seated connection to local sports culture underscores the authentic, human element behind his artistic and athletic aspirations.
Breaking Boundaries: The American Influence in an Italian Context
Ghemon openly muses that his multifaceted interests—music, running, stand-up—might be better suited to the American entertainment landscape, a place where artists often seamlessly blend diverse talents. Yet, he is determined to “break boundaries” in Italy, challenging conventional notions of what an entertainer can be. For him, the “technical gesture” in sport and the “show” in entertainment are inextricably linked, be it on a comedy stage, in a recording studio, or on a basketball court.
His playful comparison to “Adam Sandler, but better dressed,” highlights his ambition not just for comedic success but for a comprehensive, impactful presence akin to the versatile American star. He views stand-up not as a “ring” but as a “tennis match,” where each joke is a point fought for. Success brings cheers, failure means moving to the next point, persistently engaging the audience until victory is secured.
The Ultimate Choice: Fame vs. Personal Glory
In a moment of introspection, Ghemon is posed with a hypothetical choice: to win the New York Marathon or to sell out Madison Square Garden. His answer is immediate and telling: filling Madison Square Garden. He acknowledges the immense legacy of winning a marathon but deems filling such an iconic venue a “dream reserved for few aliens”—the pinnacle of an entertainer`s achievement. Such a feat, he suggests with a touch of irony, might even allow one to “retire to the countryside to grow tomatoes.”
Ghemon`s journey is a compelling narrative of relentless self-improvement and genuine passion. He is not just an artist but a perpetual student of life, constantly refining his craft and expanding his horizons, guided by the unwavering principles he`s found in the world of sports. In an era that often demands specialization, Ghemon stands as a vibrant testament to the power and appeal of being truly multifaceted.