Los Angeles  - Many of the biggest stars in music are donating their names and talent to a new format digital magazine aimed at helping fight the spread of AIDS in Africa, it was announced Wednesday.

The idea of RED(WIRE) is an offshoot of the activist organization RED founded by U2 frontman Bono last year and all proceeds will benefit HIV-infected people in Africa.

Subscriptions to the magazine will cost 5 dollars annually. For this users will receive a new issue every Wednesday, featuring an exclusive song from a major musician, a song from a new performer and a multimedia presentation about how the organization is helping Africans in need.

Among the artists who have already signed up for the initiative are U2, Coldplay, the Killers, the Dixie Chicks, John Legend, REM and Bob Dylan. Also featured are Elvis Costello and the Police, Sheryl Crow, Keith Urban, Elton John and Neil Tennant of the Pet Shop Boys.

"The goal was something that wasn't just a one-off CD, but an ongoing service that would generate an ongoing flow of money," said Red(Wire) founder Don MacKinnon.

The project will be officially launched on December 1. (dpa)