Marabi music is distinguished by its lively and dynamic structure, which includes an intro, chorus, verses, instrumental solos, call and response, and an outro. The rhythms are syncopated, and the piano takes the lead, with soulful and emotive vocals influenced by blues. Marabi music usually includes a bass instrument, such as a double bass or electric bass guitar, which serves as a solid foundation for the music's rhythmic and harmonic elements.

Kwaito vocal performances are as varied as the genre itself. Kwaito artists captivate listeners with expressive and emotionally charged performances that range from mellow and soulful to upbeat and rhythmic. Kwaito allows artists to express themselves in both English and regional African languages, celebrating cultural diversity and individuality. Marabi singing has influenced the creation of many other musical genres.

Marabi music, which originated in South African townships during the apartheid era, served as a form of artistic expression and cultural resistance for oppressed and segregated black South Africans.

Marabi music is inextricably linked with South African urban township culture, particularly in the early twentieth century. Segregationist laws at the time barred black South Africans from entering certain public places or participating in many social activities. As a result, Marabi music evolved as a way for black South Africans to express themselves artistically and form communities around music and dance.

The timbre of Marabi music is diverse, defined by the distinct sound qualities of the genre's instruments, which include the piano, bass guitar, percussion, and vocals.

The arrangement frequently revolves around the interaction of the instruments and vocalists, allowing for improvisation and musical dialogue, instrumental solos, syncopated variations with melo-percussive rhythms, and so on.