LONDON — Rock star Bono, who has long complained that Africa's problems get little attention in the news, guest edited Tuesday's edition of The Independent newspaper, filling its pages with stories on AIDS, poverty and global warming.

The newspaper's front page featured a headline saying, "No News Today,'' with the footnote: "Just 6,500 Africans died today as a result of a preventable, treatable disease (HIV/AIDS).''

The newspaper invited Bono to put together its Tuesday edition to highlight his latest venture, Project RED, which enlists corporations to donate the proceeds of products made under the RED brand to humanitarian efforts in Africa.

Half the revenue from the sale of Tuesday's Independent will go to aid groups in Africa, the newspaper said.

"Our readers have already shown, by their contribution to our annual charity appeals, their interest and concern in Africa,'' said Independent Editor in Chief Simon Kelner in a press release.

In an editorial, the rock star and activist asked readers to support his Project RED initiative, which includes corporate sponsors like American Express, the Gap and Converse footwear.

"Given the emergency that is AIDS, I don't see this as selling out,'' Bono wrote. "I see this as ganging up on the problem. This emergency demands a radical centre, as well as a radical edge. Creeping up on the everyday. Making the difficult easy.''

Other articles featured in the special edition included an editorial by Bob Geldof, creator of the Live 8 concerts, a fashion interview with Giorgio Armani by designer Stella McCartney and a chat with stand-up comic Eddie Izzard written by Bono.

Music-themed pieces the U2 frontman wove into the issue include everything from observations by U2 guitarist The Edge on rebuilding efforts by New Orleans musicians in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to the top 10 favourite musical works of U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.