Mustufa Raja: Nothing to Hide

Campaign Story

My Why

I used to wish I could make music with a mask on. I didn’t want to be seen — I just wanted to survive. Music became the only way I could express what I was carrying inside. Even as a therapist, vulnerability doesn’t come easy to me. Not because I don’t feel — I feel everything. It’s overwhelming.

But when I make music, when I write, when I play — I’m free. I’m not overthinking. I’m not holding back. I’m just… present.

Sure, I started making music to impress girls. But over time, the means became the love. Guitar became my first relationship — the only place I could speak without saying a word.

I come from a household where emotions were seen as weakness. Where silence was survival. Where my name — Mustufa, meaning “The Chosen One,” and Raja, meaning “King” — came with more weight than I knew how to carry. At 12, I remember picturing myself stuffing my heart into my guitar so it could cry for me — because I couldn’t.

That’s what music became for me. It still is.

My name is Mustufa Raja, and this is my Indiegogo campaign.

Up 'Til Now

So far, music has been kind to me. I’ve recorded at Quad Studios, where Beyoncé made Lemonade, while Dream Chasers were in the room next door. I’ve had songs mixed by Michael Ashby, Cardi B’s engineer. I released a mixtape in 2015, another project in 2023, and 38 singles — dropping a new track every two weeks for over a year.

Over the years, I’ve had the great fortune to perform at some incredible shows and venues like: Sounds of Brazil, EarWaxx Sessions, New Day New Wave, Basquiat’s Bottle, Hunter College, The West End Lounge, LVL UP Mansion Party, and more across NYC and Texas. And I’ve done it all independently — with no machine behind me. Just vision. Hunger. And truth.

What I've Been Working On

Now, I’ve teamed up with Edgewater Music Group in Texas. They’ve helped raise over $1 million for artists like me to go make the records they were born to create. We’ve got major-label distribution ready to go — and I’ve never been more ready.

But I’m going to need your help to bring this record to life.

The Challenge

Labels used to invest in developing new artists. That era’s over. In the streaming age, independent artists carry the full load: recording, mixing, mastering, promotion, touring — all of it. It adds up quick. That’s why I’m asking you to back this campaign.

Perks

In exchange for your support, I’ve got early access to the music, signed CDs, exclusive merch, private shows, Executive Producer credits, and a front-row seat to everything that’s coming!

If I don’t hit my goal, your money’s refunded — but this record doesn’t happen. So your support is everything.

How You Can Help

This project isn’t just a collection of songs — it’s me finally taking the mask off. Letting go of fear. Letting out what I’ve locked away. Piece by piece. Track by track.

If you’ve ever carried something too heavy to speak aloud — this is for you. If you’ve ever felt seen through a song — this is for you.

Click the link. Claim a perk. Be part of this. Let’s make something real — together.

Much love,
Mustufa Raja

Monetary Donation

If you would like to support the campaign without receiving any rewards

($10 minimum)

Digital Download

$10.00

Digital download of the record we’re making!

Estimated delivery: March 2027

Limit: 2 of 500 taken.

CD

$25.00

Get your physical copy of the music to go along with the digital download of the new record on release day!

*INCLUDES ALL LOWER TIER REWARDS!
Estimated delivery: March 2027

Limit: 0 of 450 taken.

Limited Edition T-Shirt

$50.00

Exclusive Limited Edition T-Shirt — this shirt will only be available through this fundraising campaign and will never be sold at retail! Get yours while you still can!

*INCLUDES ALL LOWER TIER REWARDS!
*Choose t-shirt size at checkout: S - XXL
Estimated delivery: March 2027

Limit: 5 of 400 taken.

Name in Record Thank You's

$75.00

Your name goes in the album credits as a thank you... and I'll totally mean it, too! :)

*INCLUDES ALL LOWER TIER REWARDS!
*Choose t-shirt size at checkout: S - XXL
Estimated delivery: March 2027

Limit: 1 of 350 taken.