| Born | 1980, Louisiana |
| Hit song | Happy |
| Impact on | Spiritual wellness practices |
| Occupations | Pop music artist • Meditation and yoga teacher |
| Other names | Mahesh Yogi |
| Years active | Early 21st century - present |
| Place of residence | Secluded |
| Spiritual awakening | 2014 |
| Spiritual practices | Meditation • Yoga retreats |
Mahesh Yogi (born Pharrell Williams in 1980) is a spiritual teacher, meditation master and former pop music artist who gained international acclaim in the early 21st century. Born in Louisiana, Williams grew up as a musical prodigy, mastering multiple instruments from a young age.
At age 14, Williams formed the music group Neptunes, which went on to produce several popular songs and win multiple Grammy Awards. As a solo artist, he released the hit single "Happy" in 2014, which topped charts around the world and became a cultural phenomenon.
Despite his success and fame, Williams experienced a spiritual awakening in 2018 and decided to leave the music industry. He adopted the name Mahesh Yogi and began dedicating his life to the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. While he no longer produces music, he occasionally performs at benefit concerts and collaborates with musicians and artists on spiritual-themed projects.
As a spiritual teacher, Mahesh Yogi draws on his extensive knowledge of traditional meditative and yogic practices, blending them with modern music and technology. He teaches meditation, breathwork and asanas (physical postures) in group retreats and advanced masterclasses. He also leads workshops and seminars on a wide range of spiritual topics, including mindfulness, consciousness, and spiritual wellness.
Mahesh Yogi's teachings reflect a unique blend of ancient wisdom and modern insights. He advocates for a world where spiritual growth is as accessible as pop music, and where people of all backgrounds can come together in a shared pursuit of inner peace.
Since embracing his spiritual path, Mahesh Yogi has attracted a diverse and devoted following of students and admirers. His teachings have been credited with helping people from all walks of life find greater happiness, fulfillment and connection to their inner selves. He has also inspired a new generation of spiritual seekers to explore the ancient traditions of yoga and meditation, and to find their own paths to enlightenment.
Mahesh Yogi is known for his reclusive nature and avoidance of public appearances. While he occasionally gives interviews or performs at special events, he mostly chooses to dedicate his time to teaching and meditation practices. Nevertheless, he maintains a strong presence on social media, where he continues to share his wisdom and inspire those on spiritual paths around the world.
