Ghemon: The Artist Who Never Stops Scoring – From Microphone to Marathon and Beyond

In the vibrant tapestry of Italian entertainment, Gianluca Picariello, widely known as Ghemon, stands out not just for his distinctive voice and lyrical prowess but for his remarkable journey of constant reinvention. A celebrated rapper, singer, and podcaster, he has recently embraced the world of stand-up comedy with his show “Una cosetta così.” Yet, beneath the layers of artistic evolution, one consistent thread weaves through his life: an unwavering, passionate devotion to sports. This isn`t merely a hobby; it`s a foundational element that shapes his philosophy on life, art, and continuous self-improvement.

The Enduring Game: Sport as a Life Philosophy

For Ghemon, sport isn`t a fleeting interest but “the thing I`ve done most consistently in my entire life.” It`s his true constant, a background hum to all his other endeavors. He practices, he studies, he obsesses. His curiosity isn`t confined to a single discipline; he leaps from one to another, always seeking to deepen his understanding and expertise. This analytical yet fervent approach to athletics mirrors his artistic method, where exploration and growth are paramount.

“Nessuno è una cosa sola” (No one is just one thing) – Ghemon, from his new book. This philosophy encapsulates his multifaceted career perfectly.

From Stage to Starting Line: The Marathon Man`s Mindset

Ghemon`s personal transformation is vividly chronicled in his book, “Nessuno è una cosa sola.” After the demanding spotlight of two Sanremo festivals and two consecutive albums, he felt the undeniable pull to explore other facets of his personality. Comedy, a latent presence in his private life, became an artistic outlet, allowing him to shift from the melancholic introspection of his songs to a more humorous, observational lens on the world.

This quest for self-expansion extends fiercely to his physical pursuits. Running, initially a necessity, blossomed into a passion for marathons. “One thing led to another,” he recounts, describing the natural progression from shorter distances to the iconic marathons of New York and Chicago. This journey taught him a profound lesson: the power of incremental goals. Faced with the anxieties of an uncertain future, he learned to “think meter by meter,” focusing on what`s controllable. His next ambitious target? An ultramarathon. While tempted by triathlon, he jests about his swimming prowess, preferring to excel at what he commits to.

Italian Basketball`s New Chapter: A Fan`s Candid View

A true connoisseur of basketball, Ghemon observes the Italian national team with both affection and critical insight. The retirements of legends Gigi Datome and Marco Belinelli mark a significant transitional period. He expresses a “displeasure” as a fan over Belinelli`s departure but admires his illustrious career, acknowledging he won “practically everything.” Yet, there`s a poignant note of regret that Belinelli didn`t achieve more with the national team, a sentiment many fans share. He lightheartedly adds that perhaps now they can catch up as friends.

Looking ahead, Ghemon is optimistic about the new guard. He applauds Danilo Gallinari`s impressive season in Puerto Rico, recognizing his rediscovered form and mature understanding of his capabilities. Nicolò Melli is lauded as “one of Europe`s strongest players,” and Simone Fontecchio is deemed “exceptional.” The future of Italian hoops, in his eyes, is ripe with potential.

Avellino: Where Sport is Identity

Ghemon`s roots in Avellino deeply influenced his sporting identity. In a city where both basketball and football are woven into the very fabric of community pride, he learned the fundamental tenets of sport: teamwork, individual effort, discipline, and the sheer joy of the game. He speaks of the “pain” of witnessing the bankruptcies of local teams, like Avellino Calcio and Scandone, which tested his faith in the system, but never his loyalty. His joy comes from those last-second victories – a three-pointer from half-court to win promotion, a goal in the dying moments – moments that etch themselves into the collective memory. His ultimate hope? To see Avellino`s teams return to Serie A, a redemption he feels is long overdue.

The Art of Performance: Stand-up, Rap, and the Basketball Court

Intriguingly, Ghemon draws a direct line between his artistic pursuits and basketball. He views stand-up comedy and rap as “two sides of the same coin”: both capture the “now” with a rapid rhythm, stemming from a strong American cultural matrix, and both are fluid, rhythmic languages. “A bit like basketball,” he muses. This inherent rhythm allows him to navigate the new terrain of comedy with the same confidence he once commanded as a rapper. His self-deprecating humor shines through when, asked if he`s the “Italian Adam Sandler,” he quips, “Adam Sandler dressed better… it`s hard to dress worse than him!” but quickly adds his aspiration to match Sandler`s comedic and basketball prowess.

On the topic of basketball players transitioning to comedy, he doesn`t hesitate. Gigi Datome and Nicolò Melli, with their quick wit and intelligence, would be “excellent comedians,” perhaps even performing an improvised duo act. Melli, it turns out, is already a regular at stand-up shows, a detail that adds a charming layer to Ghemon`s observation, reinforcing the notion that true talent transcends traditional boundaries.

The Grand Slam: Madison Square Garden or Marathon Glory?

When faced with the hypothetical choice of winning the New York City Marathon or filling Madison Square Garden, Ghemon`s artistic heart beats louder. While acknowledging the immense honor of a marathon victory, he declares that filling MSG is a “dream reserved for a few aliens.” It would be “the most beautiful achievement,” one that might even prompt him to “retire to the countryside to grow tomatoes.” This statement, delivered with a touch of theatrical flair, perfectly encapsulates his blend of grand ambition and grounded humility.

Ghemon might jest about being in the “wrong country” for his multi-hyphenate career, but he sees himself as a pioneer, aiming to “break the mold” of what an entertainer can be in Italy. Like his American counterparts, he believes technical skill must always walk hand-in-hand with spectacle, whether in comedy, music, or sport. His life is a testament to this philosophy: a continuous performance, always striving for the next level, always scoring, and always evolving.